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NIPCO's Electric Vehicle

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NIPCO's Ford Mustang Mach-E

In May, NIPCO received the green light from its board of directors to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) to better understand and engage with the technology and learn how EV owners navigate the benefits and challenges associated with EV ownership and operation specifically, in the rural US. NIPCO considered several makes and models of EVs before purchasing a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E from a local dealership.

NIPCO chose the Ford Mustang Mach-E because of access to local EV maintenance, its range of distance on a single charge, and to showcase the diversity of makes and models available in the EV market.

To further support the awareness and adoption of electric vehicles, in the latter part of 2021 NIPCO joined the CHARGE™ network. CHARGE is a national EV charging brand that leverages the power of cooperative membership. The CHARGE community of cooperatives partners together to support EV adoption and promote the benefits of ownership.

NIPCO’s experiences with EV maintenance, range performance in various weather conditions, electric costs, and general observations from daily use will better inform members if they are considering an electric vehicle. The EV continues NIPCO’s initiative to educate and inform the membership on new technologies and beneficial electrification.

How long does it take to charge an EV?

The total charge time depends on the type of charger being used. NIPCO's Mustang Mach-E will charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 45 minutes using a Level 3 DC (direct current) Fast Charger. Typical at-home charging with a Level 2 (240-volt 48 amp) factory charger is approximately 11 hours from 0% charge to 100% charge.

What is the environmental impact?

The NIPCO Ford Mustang Mach-E is estimated at 90 miles per gallon (MPG) equivalent. No emissions are created from the vehicle, itself.

What must be maintained on electric vehicles?

With no lubricants to change on EVs, they are relatively simple to maintain. There are two coolant levels to check (electric motor and battery cells) under the hood as well as brake fluid and washer fluid. Tire rotations, brake inspections, washer fluid, and wiper blades must be checked regularly.

Where are the charging stations?

There are at least two dozen or more charging stations in the Siouxland area. Le Mars, Iowa, currently has two Level 2 charging stations at the Kwik Star as well as 240-volt outlets at the Willow Creek Campground. NIPCO's Mustang MachE (and many other EV models as well as mobile apps) include navigational systems with charging filters that can be applied. These filters will provide directions to available charging stations along your route. Additional charging stations are becoming more available every year as electric vehicle technology improves and demand increases.

What is the life of the Ford Mustang Mach-E’s battery?

The Ford Mustang Mach-E’s warranty guarantees the batteries to 100,000 miles. While battery manufacturers are “coy” about battery life, as battery storage technology improves, batteries have the potential to last between 300,000 – 500,000 miles before its lithium-ion battery cells will require replacement. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, you can theoretically get 20 – 30 years of service out of the batteries. Batty life depends on several factors, including how a battery is changed, maintained, and utilized.

What kind of battery does the Ford Mustang Mach-E have?

The Mach-E uses lithium-ion batteries - a power dense, high voltage technology that works well for storing a lot of energy. Although the lithium-ion batteries in an EV are much stronger and more durable than those in your phone or laptop, they will still start to lose power and capacity with age and use.