Ask is a new program from the OEVA to answer your EV questions. Send your questions to ask@oeva.org and we will direct it to an OEVA volunteer with expertise in that area to answer your question. We plan to compile the best questions and answers into categories on this page to form a FAQ (frequently asked questions).

Here is an example of a great question for Ask because we can provide a reasonably brief and general answer:

What sort of charge rate could I expect at home from a mobile charger on a regular 120 volt outlet? What about a high power 240 volt outlet, and what are those called?

A regular outlet can charge a typical EV at a rate of about 3 to 6 miles of range per hour of charge. A 240 volt outlet is much faster, typically 20 to 40 miles per hour of charge. The range you get depends on the vehicle being charged,  and can be limited by the charger being used, and the amperage supported by the circuit. The most common outlet to install is called a NEMA 14-50, and can be wired for up to 50 amps. This lets all but the most enormous EVs charge rapidly enough for complete charging overnight.

If your query is too complex for Ask and requires more of a conversation where we discuss your particular needs, or  would better be a discussion with one of our volunteer Mentors:

I'm thinking of getting an EV, but I'm not sure if that will be the best fit for my lifestyle. What are the considerations for going all electric? We have young kids and need to take a lot of stuff. We need to do long trips to visit family out of state and I'm worried about running out of power on the road. Our relatives live in Colorado, and I've heard bad things about cold weather's effect on EVs. Can you recommend some good EVs for us to look at?

Just pop an email to Ask and we'll take it from there. Either we'll send you an answer (and our thanks for helping to contribute to building our FAQ), or we'll route it to a volunteer Mentor to get back with you for a chat.