Electric Vehicle Charging | Consumers Energy

As of: 7:30 AM, 11/21/24

Please select whether you’re interested in charging at home or on the go.

Electric Vehicle Home Chargers

Electric vehicle charging with level 2 charger

Level 2 Chargers

The fastest way to charge at home, Level 2 chargers may require installation. This is easy to set up through our in-house installation service. Other details to know about Level 2 chargers include:

Typically charges at 20-30 miles per hour on average (charging time is based on model of vehicle)
Available 220-240 volt/20-40 amp charger (9.6 kw)
See the specs for Energy Star/UL certified L2 chargers

Learn About Rebates

Perks of Level 2 Charging

Will charge a completely empty battery overnight
If you average 30-45 miles of driving per day, you can fully replenish your battery in 2-3 hours
Save by signing up for Nighttime Savers Rate, which provides a lower rate for charging at home overnight

Things to Consider

You may qualify for a rebate with installation of an approved Level 2 charger through our PowerMIDrive program
If you have a Level 2 charger that’s not on the approved rebate list, you could get up to $120 for a year through our Smart Charging Incentive Program

Home Charger Rebates

Explore the Details

You may qualify for a rebate of $500 for Installation of a Residential Home UL-Certified, Energy Star rated Level 2 charger with up to 9.6 kW of output (Up to 50AMP circuit)

Qualifying for this rebate will also enroll you in our Smart Charging Incentive Program for additional savings where you could earn up to 2,500 miles* of free driving annually.

You can help preserve the planet. Charge your vehicle with renewable energy by participating in the Michigan Renewable Energy Credit Program.

**2,500 free miles based on 3 miles/kWh, at $0.142/kWh. Actual results will vary. The lowest cents per kilowatt hour after rate change is 14.2.

Getting Your Level 2 Charger Installed

Let Us Do the Installation

With our in-house installation service, you’ll get to work with an EV Specialist at your side. They'll help you with everything from choosing a charger and scheduling an installation to saving through rates and rebates.

Use our Installation Service

Have an Electrician Do the Installation

Talk to an electrician to get an electrical assessment of your home to determine that you can support 240 volts for a Level 2 charger. If your home can support this, the electrician can install the charger.

Find an Electrician

Electric vehicle owner charging in his garage

Level 1 Chargers

The most basic of all EV chargers, Level 1 chargers usually come free with your electric vehicle. Other details to know about Level 1 chargers include:

Charges at 3-4 miles per hour on average
On an overnight charge, you could get between 30 to 50 miles of range added
Standard 120V/8-12-amp portable charger
Charge anywhere there is a standard 120V outlet. Standard outlets are your home outlets that are used to plug in appliances and electronics.

Perks of Level 1 Charging

A convenient way to charge at home
Can find outlets everywhere
Top off your charge while the vehicle is sitting for long periods of time

Things to Consider

An average overnight charge will give you around 30-50 miles — enough for many commuters — if your daily driving surpasses that, you may want to consider a Level 2 charger

How to Charge with a Level 1 Charger

1. Locate a 110v or 120v Outlet

This is your typical outlet that you have at home to power your toaster, television and etc.

2. Plug in Your Charger

One end of your charger will plug in directly to the outlet. The other end will plug in right to your car connector port.

3. Relax!

You’re now charging! Remember that if you’re charging from empty it may take more than 24 hours for a full charge.

Be Prepared for Home Charging with Our EV Ready Checklist

Check out our checklist to see step-by-step preparation tips for home charging.

See Checklist

Electric Vehicles Home

Go back to the main electric vehicles menu.

EV Home

How to Charge on the Go

Understand the types of public charging stations and how to use them.

On-The-Go Charging

Have Questions? Contact an EV Specialist.

Our EV Specialists are more than happy to answer your questions!

Electric Vehicle Public Chargers

Woman charging with a public level 2 charger

Level 2 Public Chargers

When you are out and about, you’ll often see Level 2 chargers in shopping areas, hotels and restaurants. Here are some more details:

Charges approximately 20-30 miles per hour; this depends on the model of vehicle
Available as a 220-240 volt/20-40 amp charger
Uses a J1772 adapter
Requires professional installation

Perks of Level 2 Charging

Typically found at businesses such as restaurants, hotels and cafes
A benefit to EV-driving employees and customers
Some Level 2 public chargers are free to use

Things to Consider

If you average 30-45 miles of driving per day, you can fully replenish your battery in about 2 hours
Businesses may qualify for our PowerMIDrive™ rebate with installation of an approved Level 2 charger

Two men at a DC fast charging station charging their EV

DC Fast Public Chargers

DC fast chargers are typically found along highways and major roads. Here are some more details to keep in mind:

Charges around 100 to 200 miles per hour depending on the model of vehicle
Requires available DC fast charging port
Uses CCS, CHAdeMO or a Tesla connector (depends on model of the car)
Available at public charging stations only

Perks of DC Fast Chargers

Accelerated charging times
Convenient, super-fast charging while out and about

Commercial Charger Rebates

Explore the Details

Through our PowerMIDrive® program, businesses may qualify for substantial rebates when they install EV chargers.

For installation of approved Level 2 public charging stations at a site location that hosts a multi-dwelling unit (such as an apartment building), businesses may be eligible for a rebate of up to $7,500. For installation at a site that is for hospitality (such as hotels, campgrounds, etc.), a rebate of up to $5,000 may be available.

For installation of approved DC fast charging stations, businesses may qualify a rebate of up to $70,000. Act fast to receive a rebate — the total number available is limited.

How to Charge in Public with a Level 2 Charger

1. Bring the Right Equipment

It never hurts to keep all charging cables in your vehicle. Level 1 and 2 use different cables since they’re used for different types of outlets. Also, be sure to have your phone handy — some Level 2 chargers need an app to activate.

2. Plug in Your Charger

For Level 2 public charging, most EVs will use the SAE J1772 connector, which is also called the J-Plug. Often, these connectors are hard-wired into the Level 2 public charger unit and can plug in directly to your vehicle.

3. Relax!

After plugging in, your vehicle is charging and you can relax. If you’re shopping or grabbing a bite to eat, you can put around 20-30 miles of charge time per hour. On average, you can fully charge your EV overnight in approximately 8 hours.

How to Charge with a DC Fast Charger

1. Locate a DC Charging Public Station

Commonly, DC fast chargers are found as stations grouped together just like gas stations. The best way to find a DC fast charger is using a charging station locator either online or through an app. Note that sometimes these stations will need an app to activate.

2. Use the Right Connector + Plug in

For DC fast charging, EVs have different connectors, which depend on the model of the vehicle. These are known as a CCS, CHAdeMO or Tesla connector. Depending on the type of connector, there may be a separate charging port made specifically for DC or a single port that is adjusted according to what charger is being used.

3. Charge!

DC charging is fast. From empty, DC fast chargers can take 20-40 minutes to complete to full charge. This is a great time to get a coffee or stop for a quick bite to eat.

Electric Vehicles Home

Go back to the main electric vehicles menu.

EV Home

How to Charge at Home

See what home chargers are available and how they work.

About Home Charging

Have Questions? Contact an EV Specialist.

Our EV Specialists are more than happy to answer your questions!