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1. What’s the deal with EV chargers around the Richins Building and Kimball Junction Transit Center?

If you are asking this question in late 2023/early 2024, you might have noticed some changes occurring in Kimball Junction around the Richins Building and Kimball Junction Transit Center. Here’s a quick summary of ongoing changes:

• Summit County added three Level 2 SemaConnect brand chargers on the south side of the Richins Building. This location has long been flagged for additional Level 2 chargers to support the County’s vehicle fleet and visitors to the DMV, Library, and more.
• Summit County is in the process of removing the two BTC Power chargers on the north side of the building. These chargers, installed in 2018, have experienced consistent maintenance and upkeep challenges.
• Through a partnership with High Valley Transit, Rocky Mountain Power is installing four utility-owned and operated fast chargers on the south side of the Kimball Junction Transit Center, several spots up from the County’s Level 2 chargers. These chargers will be high-powered and available for the public to use at a fee set in Electric Service Schedule 60.

There is still a single Level 2 Clipper Creek charger on the north side of the Richins Building close to the Transit Center.

2. What are the different types of EV chargers, in general?

There are three main types of chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and “fast charging.” Level 1 charging is most often used at home, Level 2 charging is common among public chargers and for fleets not requiring a fast charge. Many charging networks and charging corridors utilize fast chargers. Check out these two links to learn more:

• https://forthmobility.org/showcase/charging-options
• https://www.chargedfuture.com/different-types-of-electric-car-plugs/

Summit County charging locations have both Level 2 and fast chargers.

Another distinction in types of chargers is those that are networked (or “smart”) and those that are non-networked. Networking involves a hardwire or wireless connection that enables more sophisticated data collection and usage tracking, as well as the collection of fees for use, such as a $/energy use fee, a flat fee per charging session, an “idle” fee when the car is plugged in but done charging, and more.

3. How long does it take to get a full charge on most EVs?

• Fast chargers typically have an output between 50 kilowatts (kW) – 350 kW. 
• Level 2 chargers typically have a max output of 5 kW – 10 kWh. The County owned Level 2 chargers have a max output of 6.6 kW – 8.7 kW, which can give vehicles about 125 miles of range in about 5 hours.
• In general, higher output chargers charge a vehicle faster, with the latest technologies providing a full charge in 10-20 minutes.
• For a refresher on the units kW and kWh (power and energy) visit this link. Check with your vehicle dealership and/or manufacturer to learn the pros and cons of utilizing fast v. slow charging on the health of your vehicle’s battery. 

4. Are there enough chargers in the community to charge my electric vehicle?

If you have access to charging where you live, your best and most affordable option will typically be to charge your vehicle at home. For those driving around the community, there are several EV chargers throughout Summit County. Use tools like PlugShare, ChargeHub, and EV Hype to locate and view information about chargers in the area. By the end of 2023, the County will have 24 charging stations at County facilities. Park City Municipal has installed 44 chargers across their various facilities and parking areas. Other organizations such as UDOT and Rocky Mountain Power are in the process of installing fast chargers across the state along highway corridors. Many local businesses and property managers have installed chargers for visitors and employees as well.

5. Why does Summit County own and operate EV chargers?

Since 2016, the Summit County Council has approved funding the installation and operating costs of County-owned chargers using a combination of County budget funds and grants from utility and State partners. As the number, type, and ownership of EV chargers expands in the community giving the public more options, Summit County will focus more directly on charging for fleet vehicles.

6. Do I have to pay to use County owned EV charging stations?

Summit County began charging users a fee to charge at the County-owned fast charging stations in 2022. To comply with Utah HB 301 passed in 2023, the County will also begin collecting a 12.5% sales tax at any charging stations with a fee. This sales tax must be collected and remitted to the state annually. Level 2 stations will remain free of charge. 

7. Why do I have to pay to use the County-owned fast chargers?

Operating fast charging stations costs much more than other slower stations, in part, because the electricity costs are substantially higher to supply that much power in a short period of time. The County charges a fee for fast chargers to recoup a portion of the costs to operate these chargers. We estimate that for an electric vehicle like a Chevy Bolt, it will cost about $36 to get a full charge. This is compared to a tank of gas costing between $38 - $62 (depending on gas prices) to go the equivalent distance for a full battery charge. 

8. How do I charge my EV?

While every vehicle and charger are slightly different, the basic steps remain the same. 

• Unlock the charging station with the correct app, RFID card, or code. Some stations will not require this step. 
• If the charging station offers multiple plug types, find the one that will fit your vehicle.
• Insert plug into the receiver on your vehicle. You may need to open the charging port door first.
• Make sure your vehicle accepts the charge. Usually there is a green light or message on the dashboard or display that will confirm this. 
• Remove the plug and place it back on the charger when you are ready to leave or you have reached a full charge.
• For an example of charging with a ChargePoint brand station, click here.

Note that some charging stations are available to use for a fee, and others are available to use at no cost. This setup will often influence the required steps to start a charge.

9. What should I do if my vehicle is not charging?

1. First, check the connection and make sure the plug type is compatible with your vehicle. Make sure the plug is fully inserted and locked into the vehicle’s charging port. 
2. Check to see if your vehicle needs a software update. You might not be able to use certain stations if your vehicle does not have the most current software. You might need to look in the owner's manual or call your dealership to troubleshoot this issue.
3. Call the customer service number provided in the charging app you are using, or the number displayed on the charger. Many charging stations can be troubleshooted remotely and this is more efficient than contacting the County first.