7 Interesting Facts to Know About Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

July 1, 2023

The electric vehicle is poised to take over the private and commercial vehicle markets over the next two decades. In fact, according to Bloomberg, electric vehicles are projected to account for two-thirds of new car sales by 2040. All of those EVs will require electric vehicle charging stations to keep them moving. If you're wondering how you might go about finding and using charging stations in the near future, here are seven things that you should know.



1. You Can Charge at Home



If you own your home, you can have one or more outlets modified to enable EV charging. You also might pay to install an entirely dedicated charging station at your home that'll cover the vast majority of your charging needs. Ultimately, a home charging system is the best way to ensure you can charge your vehicle and not have to wait for strangers to finish charging their vehicles at other locations. A home charging station can be a good investment to offset your future transportation costs.



2. Apps Can Show Existing Charging Stations



When you're headed on the road, you likely want to know where you can charge your EV. Fortunately, it can be as simple as downloading and installing a free app to locate nearby electric vehicle charging stations along the path you're planning to take. You'll be able to plan your trip in advance as well as make changes on the fly.



3. Most Charging Stations Charge Fees



Just like gasoline and diesel fuel are not free, neither are most electric vehicle charging stations. Some charge by the minute while charging. Others charge by the kilowatt or other standard unit of measurement. Free electric vehicle charging stations do exist, like at many employment locations that offer them as incentives for workers. You also might find a hotel that offers free charging for guests who are staying overnight, but most charging stations will require you to pay a fee to top off your battery.



4. Most Car Dealerships Offer Free Onsite Charging



When buying an electric vehicle from a dealership, it's wise to ask about the availability of electric vehicle charging stations at that same dealership. Virtually all car dealerships that sell EVs will have charging stations for them so that they can keep them charged. When you buy an EV from a dealership, ask if they offer free charging for any period of time.



5. EVs Charging Costs Are Low



Driving 100 miles in most vehicles would require three gallons or more of gas to cover that distance. According to Kelley Blue Book, an EV charge would cover that same distance for $5, which is significantly less than the cost of fuel. As such, driving an EV nets significant savings in energy costs while eliminating harmful vehicle emissions.



6. Larger Batteries Take Longer to Charge



It shouldn't surprise you to learn that the bigger the EV battery, the longer it'll take to charge it. It's no different from requiring more fuel to fill a larger gas tank on a traditional vehicle that runs on fuel. The amount of time that it takes to fully charge an EV battery will depend on the type of charging system and the battery in your vehicle. Knowing the size of your battery and its average charging time will help you to more accurately determine how long it'll take to charge it and the fee to do so.



7. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Often Are Unattended



A traditional filling station typically has at least one and usually more people on staff who can keep an eye on things and help to ensure everything is going well. An EV charging station often has no attendant, so there might not be anyone available to help with any problems. Until charging stations are more common and the technology is more refined, it'll be fairly common to encounter charging stations that aren't working, so it helps to know where alternative locations are in case you find one that's faulty.


You can learn more about the current state of
electric vehicle charging stations by giving us a call today. Our friendly, experienced staff at Northwind Solar would be happy to answer any questions you have. If you're looking for high-performance solar power and battery storage systems for your home or business, we can help!

June 20, 2025
Right now, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offers a 30% tax credit to businesses that install solar energy systems. Originally scheduled to continue through 2033, the current Senate version of the bill maintains this 30% rate only through the end of 2025. After that, the credit is set to step down sharply: 18% in 2026, 6% in 2027, and 0% in 2028 and beyond. Don’t Miss the Safe Harbor Window Fortunately, there’s a way to lock in the full 30% credit before it’s reduced. Under the IRS’s "safe harbor" provision, you can preserve the full ITC by beginning physical work on your project or making a minimum 5% down payment by the end of 2025 — even if your system is completed in 2026. This is a powerful opportunity to secure long-term financial benefits while the full federal incentive is still available. Stackable Incentives Make the Financials Even Better Beyond the ITC, there are several additional programs that can dramatically reduce your project’s net cost: 10% Domestic Content Bonus: Earn an extra 10% tax credit for using U.S.-made solar components. Focus on Energy Rebates: A Wisconsin-based program offering upfront cash rebates for solar projects. MACRS Accelerated Depreciation: A federal tax benefit that allows you to recover the cost of your solar system more quickly through tax deductions. Solar Central Wisconsin Grow Solar Group Buy: Group pricing and additional resources that make going solar more affordable for local businesses. When stacked together, these incentives can cover a significant portion of your total investment, all while reducing your energy bills for decades to come. Why Act Now Solar has always been a smart investment, but today’s environment is uniquely favorable. With utility energy costs rising and key federal credits sunsetting, 2025 is the year to take action. Whether you’ve previously explored solar or are just getting started, revisiting your project now could mean locking in tens of thousands of dollars in savings. Northwind Solar can help you navigate every step, from incentive qualification to project design and installation. Improve your profitability by making a high-performing energy investment in your business. Achieve energy independence, support local businesses, and contact Northwind Solar today! REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE Reach out anytime at: 715‑630‑6451 ___________________ Additional Resources: Update on Residential Solar Incentive Changes Solar Incentives Overview Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy Program
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Northwind Solar is proud to continue its partnership as the official installer for the 2025 Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy Program , in collaboration with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association ( MREA ). This initiative offers homeowners and small businesses in Portage, Marathon, Waushara, Waupaca, Wood, and Lincoln Counties an exceptional opportunity to invest in solar energy at below-market rates through a limited-time group purchasing program. However, a critical deadline is approaching. Recent legislative developments indicate that the 30% federal Residential Solar Tax Credit —a significant incentive that substantially reduces the cost of solar installations—may expire on December 31, 2025, nearly a decade earlier than previously scheduled. This potential change underscores the urgency for homeowners to act swiftly to secure both the group buy discounts and the federal tax credit. “We’re excited to once again be working with the Grow Solar program to expand solar access in our region,” said Woody Bolton, employee-owner at Northwind Solar. “With the possibility of the federal tax credit ending soon, it's more important than ever for our neighbors to take advantage of these combined savings.” The Grow Solar program facilitates community members joining forces to leverage bulk pricing for solar installations, significantly reducing the cost of going solar. The program features free educational events, called Solar Power Hours, which help residents learn about solar energy, how it works, available incentives, and what to expect from an installation. “In times of uncertainty and climbing prices, one thing remains the same: we all need electricity,” said Evonne Waugh, program manager at MREA. “Investing in solar means securing lower bills for many years ahead.” Since its inception, Grow Solar Central Wisconsin has helped over 250 households and businesses make the switch to solar, adding nearly 2 megawatts of clean energy capacity to the local grid and generating millions of kilowatt-hours of renewable power annually. REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE TODAY! ATTEND A SOLAR POWER HOUR INFO SESSION
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