Electric Vehicles

Driving the acceleration of clean energy in Puerto Rico.

LUMA supports the building of a clean energy future for Puerto Rico that includes empowering the growth of electric vehicles (EV). Since June 2021, LUMA has made significant progress to advance clean energy priorities and make improvements to the electric system, while we continue to make the energy system more reliable and reduce outages for customers. To learn more about our clean energy progress, visit progresodelumapr.com.

Myth: Charging an electric vehicle takes too long compared to filling a gasoline tank. 

Reality: While charging takes longer, fast charging stations are increasing, and EVs offer the flexibility of charging at home. 

Myth: Electric vehicle batteries don’t have enough range for daily travel. 

Reality: Electric vehicles have range equal to or better than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and there are charging stations available around the island. 

Myth: Electric vehicles break down more frequently than traditional vehicles. 

Reality: Electric vehicles have fewer breakdowns due to their simpler mechanics and fewer moving parts. 

Myth: Electric vehicle batteries are unreliable and need frequent replacement. 

Reality: Electric vehicle batteries are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle and have very low failure rates. 

Myth: It is difficult to find charging stations for electric vehicles. 

Reality: There are home charging options and public charging stations, with a growing number of stations under development. 

Myth: Battery manufacturing and metal mining for electric vehicles harm the environment. 

Reality: Despite these impacts, the lifetime emissions of an electric vehicle are lower than those of a gasoline vehicle, and improvements in sourcing and recycling are reducing these effects. 

Myth: Electric vehicles are not as safe as gasoline vehicles. 

Reality: Electric vehicles meet the same safety standards and have advantages in stability, crash protection, and lower fire risk. 

Myth: The growth of electric vehicles will overload the power grid. 

Reality: Electric vehicles are equipped with technologies that manage charging and can even improve grid stability. 

Myth: Electric vehicles are worse for the environment due to the electricity used for charging. 

Reality: Electric vehicles have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars, and this will continue to decrease as we transition to cleaner energy sources. 

Single-Family Home 
Steps to Install a Level 2 Charger at Your Residence 

Step 1: Plan Ahead 
Before purchasing an electric vehicle, explore your charging options to ease the transition to electric driving. Planning ahead will give you a better idea of the costs and effort needed to prepare your home for electric vehicle charging, enabling you to make informed decisions about how, where, and how often you’ll need to charge. 
Before buying an electric vehicle: 
• Think about your driving habits. How often and how quickly will you need to charge your vehicle? 
• If you want the benefits of a Level 2 charger, consider consulting a licensed and qualified electrician or an EV charging provider to understand if your home’s electrical infrastructure will need upgrades and how much a home EV charging station might cost. 
• Visit Plugshare.com to check for nearby public charging stations. 
• Ask your employer if they offer any workplace charging programs. 

Step 2: Select Your Charger 
• Level 1 typically plugs into a standard 120-volt electrical wall receptacle and requires up to 12 amps. The portable Level 1 charger comes with most EVs. One end of the charger connects to a standard outlet, and the other end connects to the vehicle. The outlet must be a grounded, three-prong receptacle. Many EV drivers charge Level 1 at home, which can provide around 5 extra EV miles per hour of charging. 
• Level 2 generally supplies 208 to 240 volts up to 80 amps. A Level 2 charging station enables faster charging. Due to electrical requirements, a licensed electrician is usually needed to install a Level 2 charger. These chargers are also found in many parking lots. A Level 2 charging station can add 12 to 25 more EV miles per hour charged, depending on the EV model and charging station. Some Level 2 charging stations are designed to connect to a 240-volt receptacle (usually a dryer-style NEMA 14-50 receptacle), while others are designed to connect directly to your home’s electrical system. 

Step 3: Find an Electrical Contractor 
Your EV manufacturer or dealer can recommend an electrical contractor. Alternatively, the listing of the College of Electrical Experts can help you find local installers. Ensure your selected contractor has experience installing EV chargers and holds a valid electrician license in PR. We recommend getting cost estimates from multiple providers to find the one that suits you. 

Step 4: Electrical Service Upgrades 
Check with your electrician if you need to increase the capacity of your home’s electrical panel to service an electric vehicle charging station. 

Step 5: Select and Purchase Your Level 2 Charger 
Choosing Your Charger 
An experienced EV charging provider should be able to help you select an appropriate charger. 
Here are some key aspects to consider: 
• Do you want a “smart” charger? (i.e., a web-enabled charger that can help you track usage, schedule charging, and view your charging status from your smartphone) 
• Will your Level 2 charger be hardwired or plug into a NEMA 14-50 receptacle? 
• Ensure that your charger is sized to match your home’s panel and electrical service capacity. 
• Make sure the connector on your charger is compatible with your vehicle. 
• Ensure the cable is long enough to reach your vehicle. 
• What are your vehicle’s charging capabilities? Even with a higher-powered charger, some vehicles’ onboard charging hardware may limit the charging speed. 
• If the charger will be exposed to rain, sun, or salt, will it withstand the elements? 
• Will your charger be in a secure area (such as a closed garage) where only you will have access? 
• What are the expected ongoing costs? Should you account for subscription fees or troubleshooting/repair services? 
• What type of charging port does your vehicle use? Common charging port standards include NACS and J-1772. 
• Do you anticipate charging more than one vehicle at a time in the future? Would a dual-port charger be beneficial? 
• Where is your vehicle’s charging port located (e.g., rear, side, front)? What are the dimensions of the charger, and is there enough space to mount it near your vehicle’s charging port? 

Step 6: Establish Your Charging Routine 
By charging predictably and consistently, you can ensure your vehicle is always ready while potentially saving money and reducing your environmental footprint. 
Tips to help establish your routine: 
• Choose your preferred charging time. Consider when you use your vehicle and your electricity rate. To minimize carbon emissions from charging, we recommend charging between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., when the most solar energy is available in our system. If you have rooftop solar or battery storage at home, coordinate your EV charging schedule with your solar/battery setup. 
• Set up your charger and vehicle charging settings. Ensure both systems’ schedules are set according to your preferences. 
• Even if you don’t want to charge immediately, make it a habit to plug in your vehicle as soon as you arrive home. This way, you’ll reduce the likelihood of forgetting to charge. Learn how to use your vehicle’s mobile app or onboard charging settings to schedule charging at your preferred time. 

  1. Lower Fuel Costs 
    Charging an electric vehicle is cheaper than filling a gas tank. EV owners can save hundreds of dollars annually on fuel costs. 
  1. Lower Maintenance Costs 
    Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. There is no need for oil changes or many other traditional maintenance tasks. 
  1. Convenience of Home Charging 
    EV owners can charge their vehicles at home, eliminating the need to visit gas stations. This convenience allows for charging at any time. 
  1. Government Incentives 
    EV owners can enjoy tax credits, rebates, and other incentives for purchasing electric vehicles, including zero excise tax payments, significantly reducing the initial price. 
  1. Access to Special Benefits 
    EV owners often enjoy benefits like exclusive parking spaces, making daily transportation easier and more advantageous. 
  1. Performance Benefits 
    Electric motors provide instant torque, resulting in rapid acceleration and a smooth driving experience. 
  1. Quiet Operation 
    Electric vehicles operate more quietly than conventional vehicles, providing a more pleasant driving experience and reducing noise pollution in urban areas. 
  1. Future-Ready 
    As technology advances, the infrastructure for electric vehicles continues to improve, making them a forward-thinking choice as society moves toward cleaner energy solutions. 
  1. Environmental Benefits 
    Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases. This makes them a cleaner alternative to gasoline cars. 
  1. Support for Sustainable Practices 
    EV owners contribute to the growth of the industry and the development of cleaner energy sources, helping to drive the demand for sustainable practices in transportation. 

1) Attract Customers​ 

EV drivers need charging options, and your business can become a go-to spot for them. The longer they stay, the more likely they are to spend.​ 

2) Build Customer Loyalty​ 

Having EV chargers signals sustainability, making your brand more appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. These fosters repeat business.​ 

3) Stand Out from Competitors​ 

Offer an amenity that others lack. EV owners will choose your business over competitors without charging stations, enhancing your reputation for sustainability​ 

4) Boost Visibility​ 

Public EV chargers are featured on mapping apps, driving traffic to your location. Personalized branding on chargers can further increase your business’s visibility.​ 

5) Attract Talent​ 

Workplace charging appeals to potential employees, aligning with their values and enhancing retention, even among non-EV drivers.​ 

6) Increase Property Value​ 

Properties near charging stations see significantly higher rental and sale prices, appealing to eco-conscious renters and buyers.​ 

7) Generate Revenue​ 

Convert chargers into public stations to create a new income stream. Offer free charging for employees while charging others.​ 

8) Earn Carbon Credits​ 

Reduce your carbon footprint by supporting zero-emission vehicles, and benefit from selling or using carbon credits to offset emissions.​ 

9) Meet Sustainability Goals​ 

EV chargers can help achieve LEED certification and bolster corporate sustainability initiatives, enhancing your green credentials.​ 

10) Enhance Your Brand Image​ 

Public EV charging stations demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and innovation, attracting eco-minded consumers and supporting the growth of electric vehicle infrastructure.​ 

Electric vehicles, often referred to as EVs, are automobiles powered by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They use electric motors powered by energy stored in rechargeable batteries. These batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electrical outlet or a charging station. There are two main types of EVs:

  • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): are powered solely by electric energy stored in the battery. They don’t have an internal combustion engine and produce zero tailpipe emissions.
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): are powered by a combination of battery power and a gasoline engine that is typically used as a backup.

Learn more at: U.S. Department of Transportation

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Electric vehicle chargers come in three types of levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Direct Current (DC) Fast Charging. Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are most common in homes, public places like shopping malls and workplaces. On the other hand, fast charging chargers are usually located along roads and highways and are more suitable for long trips.

Learn more at: U.S. Department of Transportation 

While LUMA does not build, operate, or maintain EV Charging stations, we will continue to improve the electrical grid to support the expansion of charging networks.

These are some of the benefits that Electric Vehicle (EV’s) owners enjoy:

Save Money: EVs are more energy efficient and have a lower operating cost than traditional vehicles. Additionally, electric vehicles do not require changing oils, spark plugs, air filters and other parts that would need changing in gasoline engine vehicle, resulting in reduced maintenance costs.

No More Gas Stations: With electric vehicles there’s no gas to burn or gas to buy. Charge your car at home overnight or at work if your employer offers workplace charging.

Performance: Electric motors provide instant torque, resulting in quick acceleration and responsive performance.

Benefits to the Environment: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

Quiet and Smooth OperationEVs are quieter and offer smoother acceleration compared to traditional vehicles contributing to reducing noise pollution in urban areas.

Incentives: Customers may also receive incentives for owning an EV. Currently, the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury grants a refund on some taxes paid on electric or hybrid vehicles. Learn more at: Departamento de Hacienda – Determinación Administrativa Núm. 11-08.

Learn about more EV benefits at fueleconomy.gov.

In Puerto Rico there are charging stations around the Island where you can charge your vehicle. To locate the stations, you can use the PlugShare.com app. This is a free online tool that will help you plan your trip and locate available charging stations in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Charging Stations Location Map

LUMA’s Role

It is important to note that LUMA’s role is not to purchase, own and/or operate charging infrastructure in the near-term. This is the responsibility of the service providers who specialize in Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment installation and operation, and of the Puerto Rico government agencies who have access to funding for deploying it.

LUMA’s role is to support and facilitate these market actors in ongoing infrastructure deployment projects while working to improve grid resiliency and reliability and repair critical grid infrastructure needed to support the growth of EV adoption.

Additionally, LUMA works collaboratively with local stakeholders and entities to help facilitate the interconnection of EV infrastructure by streamlining processes and serving as a trusted advisor to help Puerto Rico reach our shared goal – a more reliable, more resilient, and cleaner energy future.

Survey on the Electrification of Transportation in Puerto Rico

We are conducting a survey to better understand the needs and preferences of Puerto Rican residents regarding transportation electrification. Your input is valuable and will help shape future initiatives. This survey is anonymous, and your responses will be kept confidential.

Scan this code with your mobile phone or access the following link to participate in the Electric Vehicle survey.

 


https://forms.office.com/g/BjZamcVAap

We are conducting a survey aimed at companies and institutions with commercial or public transportation fleets operating in Puerto Rico. The goal is to understand how your company or institution is preparing to incorporate electric vehicles (and related infrastructure) into their fleets.

If you decide or influence the purchase of vehicles in your company or institution, please scan this code with your mobile phone or access the following link to participate in the electric vehicle survey. Otherwise, please forward this survey to the person responsible for fleet acquisition at your company or institution.

https://forms.office.com/g/nPsgXbmnvr

This survey is anonymous, and your responses will be kept confidential.

What is Fleet Electrification?

Fleet electrification is the process of replacing a group of traditional gasoline-powered or diesel-powered vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs) within an organization or business. This transition helps reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, mitigate climate change, and promote a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system. By adopting EVs, organizations can significantly cut costs, improve brand reputation, and contribute to environmental benefits such as reduced emissions and improved public health.

Multiple benefits of Fleet Electrification

Fleet electrification offers several advantages, including operational and economic benefits, as well as positive environmental impacts. Let’s break it down:

Operational and Economic Benefits

  • Lower Maintenance Costs: Electric vehicles (EVs) generally have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, leading to reduced maintenance requirements and costs.
  • Predictable Fuel Costs: With electricity prices being more stable than fluctuating gasoline prices, fleet managers can better predict fuel expenses.
  • Lower Fuel Costs: Electricity is typically cheaper than gasoline or diesel, resulting in significant savings over the lifetime of an EV fleet.
  • Incentives and Tax Credits: Many regions offer incentives and tax credits for adopting electric vehicles, further reducing the upfront costs.
  • Resale Value: EVs tend to retain their value better than ICE vehicles due to increasing demand and advancements in battery technology.

Environmental and Social Benefits

  • Reduced Emissions: EVs produce zero or significantly reduce tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and mitigating climate change.
  • Lower Carbon Footprint: Even when considering electricity generation, EVs have a smaller carbon footprint compared to ICE vehicles.
  • Promoting Sustainability: Fleet electrification aligns with corporate sustainability goals and demonstrates environmental responsibility.

In summary, transitioning to an electric fleet not only makes economic sense but also contributes to a greener future.

Future-proof your fleet

The transportation sector represents the largest contributor to carbon dioxide emissions in our nation. Electric vehicles (EVs) present a promising pathway toward decarbonization. Factors such as declining purchase prices, advancements in charging infrastructure, cleaner electricity sources, and robust support from consumers and industry stakeholders contribute to the bright future of EVs. Recent commitments by governments and industry leaders underscore the growing momentum behind EV adoption worldwide.

Key developments include:

  • Increased Consumer Demand and Infrastructure Investment:
    • The demand for EVs is rising steadily, accompanied by substantial investments in charging networks and related infrastructure.
    • This growth enhances accessibility and convenience for consumers.
  • Cutting-Edge Battery Technologies:
    • State-of-the-art battery innovations improve the practicality and cost-effectiveness of EVs.
    • Longer driving ranges and faster charging times are now achievable.
  • Unprecedented Industry and Government Backing:
    • Both private companies and government entities actively support the transition to cleaner transportation.

Staying ahead in this transition allows organizations to save costs and prepare for a sustainable future.