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Electric Vehicles
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Paving the Way for Electric Vehicles

Vehicle electrification is a key component to the City of Pittsburgh’s energy future and DLC is helping to pave the way. According to the Electric Power Research Institute, electric vehicle registrations in DLC’s service territory are projected to reach nearly 100,000 within 20 years, which is 100 times the number registered today. With that level of growth expected, we're modernizing our grid to meet our customers' charging needs.


What we see in Electric Vehicles

Vehicle electrification is a key component of Pittsburgh’s energy future and DLC is helping to pave the way. We want to help our customers and employees to better understand the benefits electric vehicles can provide, including:

  • Lower Fuel Costs
  • Fewer Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  • Less Reliance on Imported Fuel 
  • Better Utilization of the Grid

Driving Into the Future

DLC’s fleet isn’t just driving into the city…it’s driving into the future. With nine compact passenger EVs, four plug-in hybrid bucket trucks and three electric forklifts, we’re committed to increasing the number of electric vehicles (EV) on Pittsburgh’s roads through a strategic partnership with Uber Technologies, Inc. (Uber).

Through community outreach, our partnership strives to promote the benefits of EV adoption for Uber driver-partners and DLC customers in an effort to grow the number of EV miles driven throughout our region. To alleviate range anxiety amongst EV drivers, DLC and Uber also plan to grow the number of direct current (DC) fast charging stations throughout Pittsburgh.


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Our plug-in electric bucket trucks reduce emissions and save on fuel costs by using battery packs to operate while at the job site.  Not having to run the engine also makes for a much quieter, and safer, work environment.


Types of Electric Vehicles

Pure Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) rely solely on the electric grid to “refuel” and can travel 80 to more than 250 miles per full charge depending on the make and model.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) use both an electric motor powered by a battery refueled from the electric grid and a small gasoline engine. PHEVs can either switch seamlessly between battery and engine or use both simultaneously.


All Chargers are not created equal

Level 1 Level 2 DC Fast Charging
Regular home outlet (120V)
 Dedicated circuit similar to an electric dryer (240V) Public fast charging station (480V)
~5 miles of range per hour of charging 10-25 miles of range per hour of charging
Up to 200 miles of range per hour of charging
  • Most EVs can be 80% charged in just 30 minutes


How to Charge At Home - Level 1 & 2

  1. Visit your vehicle manufacturer’s website for information, installation advice and possible incentives.
  2. Determine the charging level you need for a full charge overnight. If you want to pick a Level 2 charging station, your vehicle manufacturer or dealer might have a recommendation.
  3. Hire a qualified electrician to handle the install.

How to Charge Around Town

There are plenty of charging stations around Pittsburgh. Find the one closest to you.


Are EVs Worth It?

That’s something you have to decide for yourself, but here is some info that might help you make a decision.

Better for your Wallet
Take advantage of Federal Tax Credits of up to $7500 and cut your annual fuel costs in half.

Better for America
EVs fueled from the U.S. electric grid can help reduce reliance on imported petroleum, improving energy security.
Better for the Environment
On average EVs generate 50% less greenhouse gas emissions. Plus the electric grid that ‘refuels’ them is getting cleaner every day. 

EV RESOURCES

Things to Consider (PDFs)

Checklist when installing charging in your home
Checklist when installing charging at a multi-unit dwelling (MUD)
Definitions and acronyms

Resource Links

Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities
Local information and events supporting the reduction of petroleum use in transportation.

Plug In America
Non-profit dedicated to accelerating the shift to plug-in electric vehicles - a one-stop source for all EV information.

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC)
Federal government website that provides information and tools to help reduce the use of petroleum.

National Resource Defense Council

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
State government website describing alternative fuel vehicle rebate program.

National Drive Electric Week 2017