Learning center

Individuals

Our Individuals Journey is organized around the big steps individuals take when purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle. Along the way, you’ll gain practical tips for saving money. If you’re just starting out, we recommend you start on this page. Otherwise, visit the page that is closest to where you are on your journey.  

Learn the basics
Find the right vehicle
Select the right charger(s)
Find on-the-go charging
What you need to know

The basics

Before you can decide whether an electric vehicle (EV) is right for you, you have to understand what an EV is.  

Types of electric vehicles

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) 

BEVs use a battery to store the electric energy that powers the motor. EV batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source. Examples of BEVs include the Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Model Y. Their electric range varies from 149 to 520. 

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) 

PHEVs are powered by an internal combustion engine that can run on conventional or alternative fuel and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. The vehicle can be plugged into an electric power source to charge the battery. Examples of PHEVs include the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Toyota RAV4 PHEV, and Volvo XC90 PHEV. Their electric-only range varies from 15 to 53 miles. 

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) 

HEVs are primarily powered by an internal combustion engine that runs on conventional or alternative fuel and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a small battery to improve fuel efficiency. These vehicles do not get plugged into an electric power source for charging and are not a focus of Drive Electric MN. Examples of HEVs include the Toyota Prius, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Kia Sportage Hybrid. 

Benefits

Plug-in electric vehicles can help increase energy security, improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs, and reduce emissions. Download our EV benefits fact sheet.

Benefit 1

Affordable

Electric vehicles have a higher upfront cost than conventional vehicles. However, they require much less maintenance than a gas-powered car—some estimate as little as half—reducing operating costs. Not to mention that with a fully electric vehicle, you’ll never have to swipe your card at the pump again. Most often, charging with electricity is significantly cheaper than filling up with gasoline.


See how much money you could save on fuel when switching to an electric vehicle by using our calculator!

Benefit 2

Clean

Owning an electric vehicle is just as easy on the environment as it is on the wallet. BEVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, and PHEVs produce no tailpipe emissions when in all-electric mode.


The lifecycle emissions of an EV depend on the source of the electricity used to charge it. In Minnesota, switching to an EV reduces greenhouse gases by up to 90 percent compared to gasoline vehicles. Learn more about how electric vehicles provide large greenhouse gas reductions in Minnesota.


EVs also reduce ozone and particulate matter emissions, which are harmful to human health.

Benefit 3

Energy independence

In 2013, the United States imported about 33 percent of the petroleum it consumed, and transportation was responsible for nearly three-quarters of total US petroleum consumption. Relying on imported petroleum leaves the United States vulnerable to price spikes and supply disruptions. Using BEVs and PHEVs instead of conventional vehicles can help reduce US reliance on imported petroleum and increase energy security by using domestically produced electricity. 

What you need to know

Today’s electric vehicles can easily travel more than 100 miles on a single charge, with several models capable of over 300 miles per charge. Going for a longer drive? There are charging stations across the US, and it’s easy to find the closest one to you using PlugShare.com. There are also PHEVs available, which use a battery and electric motor with a shorter range—often 30 to 40 miles—and also have a gasoline backup.

Unless you’re planning a long trip (more than 100 miles), you likely won’t need a public charger. But when you do, there are over 2,000 Level 2 ports and 1,000 DC fast charge ports across the state. DC fast chargers (400+ volts) provide the fastest charge—BEVs receive 136-1,045 miles of range per hour (DC fast charging is generally not available on PHEVs). Level 2 chargers (240 volts) provide PHEVs with 6-32 miles of range per hour and BEVs with 16-69 miles of range per hour. Specific charging speeds for EVs sold in the US can be found on Shift2Electric’s EV Info List. 

Depending on your driving needs, you may be able to get by with a standard 120-volt outlet in your garage, which will provide 2 to 5 miles of range per hour. A 240-volt outlet can charge the vehicle even faster (6-69 miles of range per hour). 

There’s an electric vehicle to suit almost any need, and they come in all shapes and sizes: sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, SUVs, and trucks. Some models come with all-wheel drive and can tow more than 5,000 pounds. Electric vehicle makes and models sold in the US are available on Shift2Electric’s EV Info List. 

Scandinavian countries have the highest percentage of electric vehicle drivers in the world (and it’s cold there)! With more consistent acceleration and a lower center of gravity, electric vehicles often perform better in cold weather than gasoline vehicles. Cold weather reduces the electric range, with some electric vehicles seeing up to a 50 percent reduction.  

When charged with 100 percent renewable electricity and 20 percent of a battery’s critical minerals are recycled, electric vehicles in Minnesota are 90 percent less greenhouse-gas intensive than gasoline vehicles. On Minnesota’s average electric grid with no critical mineral recycling, electric vehicles are 50 percent less greenhouse-gas intensive. Download GPI’s fact sheet to learn more. 

  • Next: Find the right electric vehicle for you

    Find an EV