Renewables made up more than 17 percent of net U.S. electricity generation in 2018, with the bulk coming from hydropower (7.0 percent) and wind power (6.6 percent)
Solar generation (including distributed) is projected to climb from 11 percent of total U.S. renewable genreation in 2017 to 48 percent by 2050, making it the fastest-growing electricity source.
Globally, renewables made up 24 percent of electricity generation in 2016, much of it from hydropower (16 percent)
Battery Electric Vehicles have a battery and an electric motor instead of a gas tank and an internal combustion engine. They run entirely on electricity and do not produce any exhaust from the burning of fuel.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles have an electric motor and a gas-powered internal combustion engine. Some PHEVs operate exclusively, or almost exclusively, on electricity until the battery is nearly depleted, then the gasoline-powered engine turns on to provide power.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles have an electric motor and a gas-powered internal combustion engine, and don't plug-in for charging. HEVs can have substantial range on a single tank of gas, but still burn fossil fuels, produce carbon emissions, require trips to the gas station and scheduled engine-maintenance.
This is your standard wall outlet plug-in charging. Level 1 charging can typically provide 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging, and is most often used at homes and occasionally workplaces.
Similar to a dryer outlet, a 240 V plug requires the installation of additional charging equipment by a qualified electrician/installer. Level-2 chargers typically deliver 10 to 20 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2 is used in homes, workplaces and for some public charging. Level 2 charging systems provide slight energy efficiency benefits over level 1 chargers and savings estimates vary based on length of charge time.
This provides charging through 480 V AC input and requires specialized, high-powered charging equipment. DC Fast-Charging can deliver an 80 percent battery charge for most EV models in about 20-30 minutes of charging. Over the next year, the Alaska Energy Authority is working with organizations to install a dozen fast charging stations throughout the Railbelt from Homer and Seward, up to Fairbanks. In MEA's service territory, there are three fast charging stations operational at the Chugiak and Trapper Creek Three Bears and at the Denali Brewery with an expansion of the Trapper Creek Three Bears and a new facility at the Cottonwood Creek Mall in Wasilla planned for 2024.
Electric Vehicles
Annual Electricity Cost to Charge for 15,000 miles.
3.98 est. mile/kWh, MEA kWh rate at $0.21
Gas Vehicles
Annual Gasoline Cost to Drive 15,000 miles.
15 MPG, $4.24 per gallon
Total Savings
Estimated Annual Savings Driving Electric Instead of Fuel
Calculate your cost savings potential with the cost savings calculator.
MEA is currently accepting applications from existing EV owners and MEA members, or those that have ordered an EV, to participate in the Level 2 Charging Data Collection Program. In exchange for your EV charging data, MEA will provide you with a FREE Level 2 Charger. Learn more about the program and review the program applications and documents on the program webpage.
A federal income tax credit up to $7,500 is available for the purchase of a qualifying EV. The minimum credit amount is $2,500, and the credit may be up to $7,500, based on each vehicle's battery capacity and the gross vehicle weight rating. The credit begins to phase out for each vehicle manufacturer once they have sold 200,000 eligible electric vehicles in the United States (as counted from January 1, 2010). For more information on EV tax credits, click here.
