Electric Vehicle Charging FAQs
Can I charge my electric vehicle (EV) at home?
Yes! In fact, more than 80% of charging happens at home!
How long does it take to charge?
It depends on:
- Current charge level on the battery
- Your charger – a Level 2 can typically charge up to six times faster than a Level 1
- Battery size
- Battery temperature
Average Charging Time:
| Charger Type |
Range of charge per hour* |
| Level 1 |
2-5 miles |
| Level 2 |
10-30 miles |
*U.S. Department of Energy
How much will it cost to install a charger at home?
There's a pretty big range depending on the features and installation costs. A licensed electrician can provide a quote for your specific needs.
With MGE's Charge@Home Program, customers can get a Level 2 charging station installed at their home for about $20 per month ($0.66/day) plus the cost of electricity used without having to pay for up-front installation fees.
How much does it cost to charge my EV?
The cost will depend on the capacity of your battery and the per kilowatt-hour (kWh) electricity rate. For example, charging a Nissan Leaf®, with a 40-kWh battery, from completely empty to 100% equals roughly $5.60.
Is it cheaper to charge my EV at night?
It could be. Enroll in MGE's Time-of-Use rate plan, and you could save money when you charge your vehicle during off-peak hours (which is usually at night). Most chargers and EVs let you program when your car charges, so it's easy to take advantage of these savings.
Need a charge away from home?
MGE has a network of more than 50 public charging stations, and there are more than 60 stations in the Madison area.
Why use a fast charger?
As you may have guessed, fast chargers are quick. These are for CHAdeMo and CCS-equipped vehicles like Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt. The U.S. Department of Energy reports they can provide 60-80 miles of charge in just 20 minutes!
To find the fast charger nearest you, go to plugshare.com.
How much does it cost to use an MGE public charging station?
Level 1 and 2: $0.18 per kWh
DC Fast Charge: $0.34 per kWh
Members of MGE's EV Owners Group receive discounted charging at select public chargers owned and operated by MGE. Learn more and enroll.
Where can I charge outside of Madison?
To find an EV charging station while you travel, visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center or download the Plugshare mobile app.
Where can I find information about workplace charging?
Since more and more drivers are making the switch to EVs, many local businesses are adding EV charging at their workplace. MGE works with employers to get their workplace charging programs off the ground. We can:
- Connect them to local companies that have already gone through the process.
- Conduct a survey for employees to gauge interest.
- Help them understand how EV charging may affect their bill.
- Assist with EV charging infrastructure and evaluate charging equipment options.
Interested in adding EV chargers to your workplace? Call us at (608) 252-7007 and ask for a business account manager, or send an email to Business@mge.com.