Tag Archive: DTE Energy


Review of My Home Charging Installation Experience

Filed Under: Uncategorized by franksvinthed — Leave a comment
April 25, 2011

Since this is all still so new to everyone information is key. I covered some of this earlier but here is a complete picture. I hope this helps you on your journey to home charging!

My home charging station was installed through the DTE Energy Plug-In Electric Vehicle Program. DTE is the major utility company is metro Detroit. I got my Volt in early February before the program even launched. I was going to use SPX for the home charger but then heard about the DTE program.

Home Charging Station

The Plug-In Electric Vehicle program team was great to work with. They answered all my questions and really explained the program. The best part about the DTE program that sets it apart from others is that they offer $2,500 toward the purchase of the charging unit and the installation. If I had had to pay for it it would have been a little over $2,000.

The process goes as follows:

  • Complete the application
  • Send in a copy of your Michigan registration for your Volt or RD108 Form
  • Wait for email from PEV representative that includes the Electric Vehicle Program Agreement
  • Send back the agreement
  • PEV will contact you, walk you through your options, send you the pre-installation survey for your property and set up installation

DTE Energy works in partnership with SPX for the installation. You’ll work with reps from SPX for installation coordination. I called them a lot to see about the status of my order. I like to be kept in the loop.

The most important thing to consider as you fill out paperwork is how you want to be charged for your electricity usage. There are two options.

One: flat rate $40/month. You can plug in and charge whenever and not worry if its an on-peak time or not.

Two: pay per usage. On-peak rate $0.18195/kwh and the off-peak rate is $0.07695/kwh

Your Volt can be programmed to charge during off-peak times even if you plug it in during on-peak times. It just depends on your needs. I use the flat fee program. This calculator can be really helpful to figure out your needs.

Overall, my experience was very positive. I wish I had known about DTE’s program before I started the process with SPX so there wouldn’t have been some overlap in work but it all worked out in the end. And having a 240 volt charging system is the only way to go. If you live outside of metro Detroit make sure to investigate what your local utility company offers for electric vehicle charging and make sure to start the process as soon as possible. I would have gotten way better mileage if I hadn’t had to charge off a 110 volt plug for a month. I kept running out of charge and switching over to the gas generator.

Happy charging!

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Home Electric Charging Station

Filed Under: Uncategorized by franksvinthed — Leave a comment
March 25, 2011

Let me tell you something. This whole home charging station thing is new territory to me. Going from a gas to an electric mindset is exciting and challenging. Navigating the EV home charging station options taught me a lot and I found there are programs that help average joes understand what they need.

First of all the Volt can be charged off a regular electric outlet. But the best charging option is to get a home charging station, charging goes much faster using one. There are many programs that help with the cost of the station and the installation. Plus you get a break on electricity charges using one. Very interested to see my electric bill for this.

My home charging station was installed two days ago. After much research decided to get my home charging station through my electric company, DTE Energy’s Plug-In Electric Vehicle Program. They have a great program that pays for up to $2,500 in costs, both installation and the unit. The whole process took about a month since I had my Volt before their program was available. DTE representatives were great to work with. They answered my questions, explained the process well and made me feel very comfortable.

The process included

  • Completing a survey about where the station would be located
  • Having the electrician come out survey the area and provide a quote for service
  • Picking which unit I wanted
  • Installation

The Plug-In Electric Vehicle Program is a partnership with SPX who handles the installation. When Chuck from Mr. Electric came over to my house I knew I was in good hands. He handled the estimating and the installation.  He did a great job. Very professional and knowledgeable. Now I can plug it at home, program the car to charge during off-peak hours and jump in my car that has a full charge.  I’m off and running!

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Three Important Things About Home Charging Stations

Filed Under: Uncategorized by franksvinthed — Leave a comment
March 21, 2011

My home charging station is being installed today. I thought I would share some tips since there are a lot of different options for charging stations

  1. There are many programs available some that pay for the charging station, some that pay for the installation, some that pay for both. Make sure to research all the options. I’m using my utility company, DTE Energy for my charging station and installation. Check with your local utility company to see if they also have a program. SPX is also another great company that is installing charging stations. Ask questions, everyone I spoke with at DTE and SPX were a great source of knowledge and customer service. They can slo help you pick the charger that is right for you.
  2. Consider where it will be installed. It has be in a garage though but where and what do I have to move around to make a spot…make sure its not somewhere it can be hit. Will you need to protect it?
  3. Pay attention to off and on peak time charging. Through DTE Energy I receive a reduced rate on the power I use to charge my Volt if its done after 11pm or on the weekends. Remember the Volt can be programmed to charge when you want it to, so convenient!
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