Hawaiian Electric Companies Introduce EV Estimator

Hawaiian Electric Companies are offering residents who are considering the purchase of an electric vehicle a new time-of-use estimator to determine EV charging rates offered by the state-wide utility company.

“Plug-in electric vehicles are key to a clean energy future for Hawai‘i,” said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president for customer service. “EVs can help reduce our dependency on imported oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save customers money in the process.”

Big Island customers can find estimator versions on the Hawai’i Electric Light website. While at the website, with electric bill in hand, data entered can determine the amount a customer will save with the TOU EV rate. Officials say the calculation is illustrative and is based on individuals factors, including household energy use.

The TOU EV rate schedule has varied cost per kilowatt-hour variations, depending on time of day.

Hawai’i Electric Light officials say a customer with a battery electric vehicle has the potential to save about 30 percent on fuel costs through standard residential rates to charge at home, compared to vehicles at the gas pump that get about 25 miles per gallon. The TOU EV rate increases that percentage even higher.

As part of Hawai’i Electric Companies’ support for electrification of transportation, the new savings estimators include the discount TOU charging rates and company-owned fast chargers.

To learn about EVs or TOU rates for EVs, visit the Hawai’i Electric website.