Have questions about our easy, efficient EV-charging solutions? We have answers.

Discover the answers to our most frequently asked questions.

EV Driver FAQs

What is an EV?

An electric vehicle is a vehicle either partially (PHEV) or fully (BEV) electric powered. EVs have low running costs, as they have less moving parts for maintenance. They are also environmentally friendly, as they use little or no fossil fuels. An EV draws electricity from a battery and is capable of being charged from an external source.

  • Energy security. The multiple fuel sources used to generate electricity results in a more secure energy source for the electrified portion of the transportation sector.
  • Costs. Although energy costs for EVs are generally lower than for similar conventional vehicles, purchase prices can be significantly higher. Prices are likely to equalize with conventional vehicles, as production volumes increase and battery technologies continue to mature. Also, initial costs can be offset by fuel cost savings, a federal tax credit, and state and utility incentives.
  • Fuel economy. EVs typically achieve better fuel economy and hybrid vehicles have lower fuel costs than similar conventional vehicles.
  • Electric and hybrid vehicles can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles. All-electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions.

The federal Clean Vehicle Credit is available for EV purchases from manufacturers that have not yet met certain thresholds of vehicle sales. It provides a tax credit of $3,750 to $7,500 for new purchases by eligible individuals and businesses, with the amount determined by the battery capacity, critical mineral sourcing, battery components, and vehicle cost. Search for all laws and incentives based off of your home state.

When an EV reaches the end of its lifespan, vehicle dealers can recycle and repurpose the battery for alternate energy storage purposes.

The EV will have to be towed to a charging station if it is completely out of charge. Having a Zeplug charging station at your property is a great way to ensure your EV gets a full charge every night.

Tenants: Reach out to your property manager about contacting Zeplug.

Property Owners: Fill out our inquiry form to see if Zeplug is a fit for your property.

  • Level 1 Charging: The most common charge format. Anyone can charge this way from home. The vehicle’s included car charger is plugged into a regular 12-volt wall outlet or separate wall-mounted charger.
  • Level 2 Charging: This form of charging is the most common in public/commercial parking spaces and some residential areas. They are the most common for daily charging. Usually, they are separate stations providing faster charging speeds than Level 1.
  • Level 3 Charging: This form of charging is found mainly along major highways and travel coordinators. Few residential locations have adequate voltage to support Level 3 Charging. These are also referred to as DC Fast Chargers (DCFC), and are the fastest type of charger.

Zeplug offers Level 2  charging through a 240V or 208V electrical service. Level 2 charging is standard for home, workplace, and public charging. Level 2 chargers can charge a battery electric vehicle (BEV) to 80 percent from 0 percent in 4-10 hours and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in 1-2 hours.

Zeplug chargers are 100% compatible with all plug-in vehicles, using the standard Type 1 J1772 plug (also known as “J Plug”) commonly used for Level 2 charging.

Inflation Reduction Act

As of 2023, individuals who purchase new electric vehicles may be eligible for a tax credit as high as $7,500 (combination of battery + sourcing requirements) If the EV meets only one requirement, you may be eligible for the partial credit of $3750. Used electric car buyers may qualify for up to $4,000 in tax breaks. The nonrefundable credit can be claimed on tax returns filed in 2024. As of Jan 1, 2024, EV drivers will have the option to choose between a non-refundable credit or transferring the credit directly to the dealer in order to lower the price of the car by the credit amount at the point of sale.

  • EVs are becoming more affordable and federal tax credits help reduce the cost for new EV owners. Rapid reductions in the cost of used EVs over the next decade will enable lower-income households to access EVs in the near future, with cost savings resulting in substantial equity benefits.
  • By 2030, the average cost of ownership for a new EV is expected to be the same as the cost of ownership for a used internal combustion engine vehicle that is several years old. Used EVs: Higher rates of depreciation for first owners will lead to larger benefits for lower-income second owners.

Yes, EVs can be leased. Some benefits of leasing an EV include: driving with the latest technology, lower repair costs over time, additional ways to charge. If you are interested in leasing an EV, ask your Property Management or Leasing Team when the next Ride and Drive Event will be with Zeplug!

Electric cars are very quiet and they are capable of accelerating more quickly than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Most auto manufactures push vehicle software updates so that drivers can take advantage of new capabilities and technology. EVs have regenerative braking, a process of capturing energy while braking and using this energy to recharge the vehicle’s battery while the vehicle is in motion.

By 2030, the auto industry expects to have over 25,000,000 in operation in the US. Many OEMs are committing to going all hybrid or all electric over the next few years further showing that EV adoption is not a trend, it’s the future.

It is important to install EV chargers at a property even if none of the tenants currently own an EV because this will attract new residents who are looking for this competitive amenity and retain current residents looking into purchasing an EV.

Zeplug is responsible for all charger maintenance and repairs. Users are able to contact a Zeplug representative directly through the Zeplug USA mobile app. Our customer success team can also be reached at success@zeplug.com.

If you don’t currently own an EV, having EV chargers at your residence is an amazing perk if you decide to purchase or lease an EV down the line.

  • No operational costs
  • Limited capital costs
  • No monthly membership costs
  • 8+ year warranty
  • Ongoing software upgrades
  • Expert in multifamily
  • Strong and reliable customer service
  • High-end and easy-to-use L2 chargers
  • Smart Charging Capabilities for Tenants

When you plug into a Zeplug charger, the Zeplug USA mobile app will indicate that you are plugged in and ready to begin your session. Your session can be monitored remotely through the app and you will receive a push notification when your session ends or if it is interrupted for any reason.

Yes, all EV chargers are waterproof/weatherproof.  Charge ports on EVs are designed to be weatherproof and water resistant. Our charging equipment is safety tested, and has safety features to prevent electrical issues and accidental shock.

Prices fluctuate depending on factors such as location, just as gasoline does. The rate also fluctuates based on the time of day you are charging and specific utility rates and tariffs (It may cost more if you charge during the day as opposed to at night depending on price settings at a given location). The battery size of a vehicle and the vehicle’s current battery level both play significant factors in the full charging cost.

The time it takes to charge an EV is dependent on the rate in which the EV can receive a charge. Charging from empty to full on a Level 2 charger can take a few hours, or may require an overnight charge. The battery size of a vehicle and the vehicle’s current battery level both play significant factors in the session length.

The Zeplug USA mobile app will show if there is a charger nearby. Reservations are available on the app as well.

The Zeplug USA mobile app allows users to receive charging status notifications.

  • “State of Charge”, or how full your battery is
  • Battery temperature – extreme weather conditions cause charge rate to slow
  • Other loads in use while charging – i.e., AC, heat, radio, etc.
  • Battery deterioration over time
  • The EV’s current and voltage limits

When the power turns on again, the unit will reboot and go through test cycles. If the EV was charging while the power went out, you would need to restart your charge.

No, there is not a subscription or membership fee. You’ll only pay when you’re charging your EV.

You should contact your building’s management in order to have the car removed.

  • Volts (V): The tension or potential of energy. Higher voltage means each bit of electricity can provide more power.
  • Amps (A): The flow of electrons through a conductor, called a “current”.
  • Power (W): Units of power are called watts.Watts describe the rate at which energy is transferred. W=V*A
  • Energy (kWh): Kilowatt-hours are a measurement of energy equalling the amount of energy transferred over one hour. It refers to how much energy flows in one hour.
  • SOC (State of Charge): How full a battery is in terms of percentage.

Reach out to our Customer Success Team at success@zeplug.com.

Property Owner FAQs

Who do we reach out to if we have questions or issues post-installation?

When you work with Zeplug, you will have a dedicated Customer Success Specialist assigned to your account. If you are unsure of which Customer Success Specialist you are working with, please send an email with your questions to success@zeplug.com. Please be sure to include your property name in the email body.

There are many advantages of partnering with Zeplug.

Simple, Turnkey Installation

We provide white-glove experience by handling all aspects of EV charging services at your property. Zeplug takes care of the front-end administrative work to navigate, apply for, and monitor utility and state incentive programs, pull applicable permits, design required engineering plans, and coordinate a scalable service with your electric utility. We cover all installation aspects from trenching and infrastructure installation, through charger commissioning and testing.

Hassle-Free Management

Zeplug provides all tiers of support to your tenants with agents readily available to answer any questions or concerns. If a station goes offline, our automated ticketing system immediately starts the process of troubleshooting the issue remotely before our Service Team deploys a contractor to your site. Zeplug continuously monitors stations remotely and if charging issues are detected at sites, service is dispatched to prevent further issues. We assess utilization and growing demand to help scale your EV charging stations to make sure that you always have sufficient availability for growing onsite demand.

Limited Capital and Operational Costs

Many of our clients have had the ability and capital to install an EV charger or two on their own, but they didn’t foresee any of the hidden operational costs and responsibilities that come with owning and operating EV charging stations. By outsourcing all responsibility (and up to 100% of costs) to Zeplug, you are able to save yourself hours every week, and thousands of dollars per year. In 2023, we spent $1.12M on capital expenditures that would have otherwise been incurred by our clients. Our average client saves $150,000 – $250,000 in EV charging operational expenses and electricity costs over the course of our standard 8-year contract.

Zeplug works with multifamily properties, mixed-use sites, hotels, and universities. We currently invest in projects in over 20 states and we help our local, regional, and national clients find the best solution to fit their portfolio’s needs.

Our ability to cover a project’s full CapEx is limited to the state in which it is located. To learn what your property qualifies for, schedule a consultation with our team here!

Our standard contracts are 8 years in length.

At Zeplug, we look to partner with our clients and we are committing to an 8-year term. Our carefully chosen partnered buildings are properties that will receive top-tier customer success, support, and service, and these will be partnerships that we have the desire to continue for additional years.

Installation timelines may vary depending on the state in which a property is located and they are subject to the timelines for utility incentive application approvals and permitting. Our standard installation timelines range from 4 – 10 months. Any delays in application approvals, permitting, or procurement will be communicated immediately to clients with adjusted installation dates. If a property has previously installed EV-ready spots, the installation will take approximately 4 – 8 weeks.

Zeplug covers all operational costs for onsite EV charging, inclusive of the cost of electricity.  It is our standard process to open a new service with the property’s electrical utility so that billing can be coordinated directly between Zeplug and the utility. If the EV charging stations are going off house power, Zeplug will reimburse the property.

If a station goes offline, our automated ticketing system immediately starts the process of troubleshooting the issue remotely before our Service Team deploys a contractor to your site. Zeplug continuously monitors stations remotely and if charging issues are detected at sites, service is dispatched to prevent further issues.

Zeplug’s pricing will always be competitive with publicly accessible level 2 and level 3 stations in your area. Pricing varies from utility to utility due to rates and tariffs.

Zeplug will install signage indicating that the spot is a dedicated EV charging spot. We ask that the property enforces towing of non-EVs parking in these spaces in order to keep the amenity available for EV drivers.

Yes! We continuously assess utilization at each property and we monitor increasing EV adoption rates to help scale your EV charging stations, ensuring you always have sufficient availability for growing onsite demand.

Tenants and EV drivers can reach out to success@zeplug.com if they have any questions.