Blog / Rick Bokman Inc. News

The Definitive Guide to EV Charging

Electric vehicle charging station

There are Levels to This

Ever since the first car was produced in 1886, internal combustion engines have been the driving force of vehicles. However, the search for an alternative has been underway for just as long and finally, we have an answer. Electric vehicles with electric motors. 

Now, when most folks think of electric vehicles they imagine some futuristic-looking vehicle that will leave them stranded on the side of the highway with dead batteries — this couldn’t be more of a myth!

Electric vehicles, or EVs, have come a long way since the 1870s. They’re stylish, powerful, exciting to drive and most of all — reliable. Despite advances in EV technology, many people still doubt their practicality and cite range anxiety and lack of charging infrastructure. 

This definitive guide to EV charging will teach you everything you need to know about EV charging, including how simple it is. Give this a quick read and then make sure to pay a visit to Rick Bokman Inc to check out the electrifying Hummer EV.

Level 1 Charging

The most accessible level of charging, Level 1 charging stations allow you to charge your EV by plugging it into your household 120V outlet. This means you’ll be able to use your vehicle's charger on any outlet in your residence, making charging a breeze. 

Commonly referred to as “trickle charging”, level 1 is the slowest charging method available for EVs albeit one of the most convenient. You will see around four miles of range added to the vehicle each hour when using level 1 charging. 

With a slow charging time, Level 1 is best utilized when you’re able to let your EV charge up overnight. That being said, there are a few other methods of charging that are faster if you’re in a rush, keep reading to find out what they are. 

Level 2 Charging

One of the most common forms of EV charging, Level 2 charging can be found in both residential and public areas. It provides a much quicker charge than Level 1 chargers, adding up to 12-30 miles of range per hour. A full charge can be completed in 6-12 hours — depending on battery size — when using a Level 2 charger. 

If you want a Level 2 charger at your home, it is plenty doable as long as you have an available 240V outlet. In the event you don’t have a 240V outlet, you must have one professionally installed before you are able to take advantage of Level 2 charging.

While most electric vehicles come with a Level 1 charging cable included, Level 2 chargers come at an extra cost. Simply ask your sales professional for pricing on a Level 2 charging cable and they should be able to provide you with one at delivery. 

Looking to have a Level 2 charger installed at your house? Companies like ChargePoint and QMerit can help! Having a Level 2 charger installed at home will not only save you time but some money as well. In some cases, you may even be able to claim tax benefits for owning an EV and investing in a charger, refer to your local tax code for more info.

Level 3 Charging

Often referred to as DC Fast Charging, high-powered Level 3 chargers are only found at public charging stations across the country. They are the fastest and most-efficient way to charge your EV, as they add around 3-15 miles every minute! 

Level 3 charging uses powerful direct current (DC) power, which is not found in residential areas as they use alternating current (AC). This means you won’t be able to have a Level 3 charging station at home, but if you do some Googling you may find one nearby.

The best benefit of Level 3 charging stations is their ability to charge your EV battery up to 80% capacity in a matter of minutes. This makes charging up during lunch break or while running errands a breeze and allows you to live a range-anxiety-free life. 

As the popularity of EV’s continues to grow, you’ll start to see more and more Level 3 public charging stations popping up across the country. If you already own an EV, chances are you know all of your local charging stations — but if you don’t — check out Plugshare.

Stations Near You

Looking for somewhere to charge near you? No sweat, we took the time and did the research for you. If you’re in the Olean area and need to charge your EV, we’ve put together a shortlist of available public charging stations. Check out what we found:

While this list doesn’t have every charging station in Olean on it, it’s a great starting point for EV owners in Olean. As time goes on and more people adopt electric vehicles, charging infrastructure should start to increase — so keep an eye out! 

Charged Up and Ready to Go

Now that you know all there is to know about charging an EV, making the switch doesn’t seem so scary now, does it? Despite what your octane-loving, mechanic cousin may say, electric vehicles truly are the future. With more home-charging options available and increasing public charging infrastructure, range anxiety is nothing more than a myth.

Whether you opt for a home charging station or you rely on public infrastructure, switching to an EV is the best option for the planet and your wallet. Owning an EV not only saves you at the pump it also saves you on repair bills too, as they require less maintenance than traditional cars. 

Are you ready to make the switch to an electric vehicle? Then Rick Bokman Inc can help! At Rick Bokman Inc, we have Olean’s best selection of GMC vehicles, including the new Hummer EV. Whether you’re switching to an EV or sticking with a traditional engine — if you want the best prices on GMC vehicles — shop at Rick Bokman Inc.

Posted in:

Related Posts

GMC Canyon

Next-Generation GMC Canyon to Bolster Off-Road Performance with AT4X

DETROIT – Today, GMC teased the next-generation Canyon mid-size truck and confirmed the introduction of the AT4X trim to the Canyon lineup. The Canyon will become the second vehicle in GMC’s lineup to adopt the AT4X trim – GMC’s off-road optimized performance trim that offers serious capability and uncompromising refinements. The current generation Canyon debuted in 2014. Since then, GMC has upgraded the mid-size truck over the years to include the AT4 trim and an off-road performance package that adds a 1-inch suspension leveling kit, off-road rocker panel protection, and front and mid skid plates. Most recently, GMC revealed the Canyon AT4 concept last year, which included a number of off-roading and overlanding accessories. The next-generation Canyon AT4X signals the next chapter for GMC’s mid-size truck with the teaser previewing the Canyon AT4X’s badging, rocker protectors and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. GMC will reveal the next-generation Canyon including Canyon AT4X in summer 2022. AT4X: The peak in premium off-roading performance First introduced on the 2022 GMC Sierra, the AT4X trim is the off-road optimized evolution of GMC’s increasingly popular AT4 sub-brand. DETROIT – Today, GMC teased the next-generation Canyon mid-size truck and confirmed the introduction of the AT4X trim to the Canyon lineup. The Canyon will become the second vehicle in GMC’s lineup to adopt the AT4X trim – GMC’s off-road optimized performance trim that offers serious capability and uncompromising refinements. The current generation Canyon debuted in 2014. Since then, GMC has upgraded the mid-size truck over the years to include the AT4 trim and an off-road performance package that adds a 1-inch suspension leveling kit, off-road rocker panel protection, and front and mid skid plates. Most recently, GMC revealed the Canyon AT4 concept last year, which included a number of off-roading and overlanding accessories. The next-generation Canyon AT4X signals the next chapter for GMC’s mid-size truck with the teaser previewing the Canyon AT4X’s badging, rocker protectors and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. GMC will reveal the next-generation Canyon including Canyon AT4X in summer 2022. AT4X: The peak in premium off-roading performance First introduced on the 2022 GMC Sierra, the AT4X trim is the off-road optimized evolution of GMC’s increasingly popular AT4 sub-brand. About GMC With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @GMC or at www.facebook.com/gmc.

iStock/deepblue4you

Is Buying a Car in 2022 Worth It?

With the COVID-19 Pandemic coming to a close, consumers are once again demanding a large supply of new vehicles. One that cannot yet be fulfilled by the world’s manufacturers due to a massive shortage of semiconductors with no end in sight. This shortage has dealerships all over the country scrambling to find a way to put customers behind the wheel of a new vehicle. With the ongoing shortage and rising prices, you may be wondering if now is the right time to buy a new vehicle at Rick Bokman Inc., and this blog just may help you decide. At Rick Bokman Inc., the shortage isn’t stopping them from stocking the Olean, NY area’s best selection of new, pre-owned and certified pre-owned Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle, Rick Bokman Inc. has plenty of options for you to choose from. Don’t let the shortage hold you back, stop by and see why Rick Bokman Inc. is Olean’s favorite Buick, GMC or Cadillac dealer today! Rising Prices, Dwindling Inventory As the world slowly returns to form after the COVID-19 Pandemic, the global supply chain is struggling to keep up after such a long period of disruption. Back in 2020, with the world at the height of the pandemic, factories all over the world shut down to stop the spread, while subsequently stopping the production of goods. During the global shutdown, inventory began to pile up on dealership lots all throughout the United States. With each passing day, the cost of insurance and interest on this sitting inventory totaled in the hundreds of thousands, causing dealership owners a slight panic. This time of uncertainty and panic was not here to stay long, as a bigger problem awaited dealership owners in the near future. Fast forward a year to 2021, dealerships throughout the U.S. are struggling to keep up with demand for inventory as manufacturers struggle to produce new vehicles. This struggle is largely due to a semiconductor shortage that was sparked by the worldwide lockdowns that took place during the pandemic. With factories shut down and semiconductors not being made, new vehicles ceased to be produced and vehicle manufacturers found themselves struggling to fulfill dealership orders. In response to the growing supply chain issue, dealerships began to turn their focus toward to used vehicle market, encouraging customers to sell their used vehicles or complete trade-ins. With used vehicles more desirable than ever and equipped government-backed stimulus checks, consumers throughout the United States flocked to dealerships to trade in their old vehicles in favor of new ones. The rush by dealerships to find ways to supplement the shortage of new vehicles only further exacerbated that shortage, leaving dealerships in a pickle. Now dealerships have droves of customers clamoring to trade-in their vehicles, with no new vehicles to sell those customers, resulting in long waiting lists and disgruntled customers. With this shortage, you may be wondering if now is the right time to start the search for a vehicle. The answer here at Rick Bokman Inc. is a resounding, YES! Despite the supply chain issues and a shortage of new vehicles, there has never been a better time to trade in your old vehicle in favor of purchasing a new one. Keep reading to find out why! The Time Is Now If you’re wondering if it’s a smart idea to buy a car in 2022, the answer is YES! Now, you may be doubting that because of what you just read above…but fear not! There truly has never been a better time to buy a new car, truck or SUV — and here are some reasons why. Interest Rates One of the biggest reasons you should be buying a car right now is because of the incredibly low-interest rates that are available. Right now, banks are loaning out money at record-setting rates in attempts to reinvigorate the struggling, post-pandemic economy. With rates as low as 0.99% APR available, it’s a no-brainer to buy a new vehicle right now as rates like this aren’t typically available. If you want the best interest rates on the widest selection of new and pre-owned Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicles, stop by Rick Bokman Inc. located in Olean today! Your Car Is Worth More Than Ever Before Yeah, you read that right…your old car is worth more than ever before thanks to the shortage of new inventory. Typically, all cars begin depreciating the moment they leave the dealership lot. However, in this whacky post-pandemic economy, some vehicles have actually gained value as they aged. As dealerships all over the country make a push to purchase used vehicles and increase trade-ins, the value of used vehicles has increased astronomically. That means there has never been a better time to purchase a new vehicle, as your trade-in is worth more than its ever been. If you’ve been tossing around the idea of buying a new car, you’ll want to act now before the value of your used car plummets back to pre-pandemic prices and you lose out on thousands. You can get the best value for your used car, truck or SUV at Rick Bokman Inc. located in Olean, NY. At Rick Bokman Inc., they have the Olean area’s best selection of new and pre-owned Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicles, so stop by and check out their inventory today! Customize Your New Vehicle Due to the semiconductor shortage, chances are you will be waiting on a new vehicle to be built and shipped to the United States before you buy it. This wait may seem like nothing but a hassle when in reality it is the best thing that could happen. Wondering why it’s the best thing that could happen? Keep reading to find out why! While it may not seem ideal to buy a car that hasn't yet been built, there are some advantages to doing so. A car that hasn’t been built yet means you can tailor to fit your exact needs and specifications. That means you can forego features you won’t use and add features you may not have been able to find on a specific trim of that vehicle. With the added flexibility that comes with ordering a new Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle, it truly makes right now better than ever to buy a new vehicle. Stop by Rick Bokman Inc. located in Olean to place an order for your new Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle today! Reasons You Should Avoid Buying a Car in 2022 This blog would not be complete without a good counterargument. So, let’s talk about a few reasons why you may want to avoid buying a new car, truck or SUV in 2022. Seemingly Endless Waiting Lists One good reason to avoid purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle in 2022 is the waiting game. Let's face it, nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money on a vehicle they have to spend months waiting for. However, the reality of this post-pandemic world is filled with long waiting lists for new vehicles of all shapes and sizes. If you’re considering purchasing a new car, truck or SUV, make sure to inquire about the average waiting time at your dealership of choice. Another thing to keep in mind is delays do happen, especially with the rampant issues in the global supply chain. That being said, if you place an order for a new vehicle, be prepared to be patient. Patience is a virtue they say, and if it’s a virtue that escapes you, perhaps its best to look into a pre-owned vehicle instead. If a pre-owned vehicle is something you would consider, Rick Bokman Inc. has plenty of them to choose from at their Olean location — stop by today! Record-High Prices An unfortunate consequence of the vehicle shortage has been the steep rise in the prices of new vehicles. With incredibly high demand and constrained supply lines, the cost of new vehicles is rising to record highs in a staggeringly short amount of time. Many new vehicles are flying off of dealership lots, sometimes for prices above the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). Although interest rates are at all-time lows, it still may be wise to refrain from purchasing a new car, truck or SUV in 2022 thanks to the rising cost of new vehicles. If you want to save money and can keep driving your current vehicle, it just may be best to wait out this influx of pricing on new vehicles. Fewer Options Yet another drawback to purchasing a new vehicle during this shortage is the lack of available options. Due to the semiconductor shortage, vehicle manufacturers are opting to only produce certain types and trims of vehicles, leaving less variety to choose from. This is being done in an effort to keep profits where they need to be while dealing with a constrained supply of vehicles and parts. During this shortage, you run the chance of walking onto a dealership lot and not being able to find a vehicle to fit your wants or needs. Many vehicles that are being produced right now are coming loaded with options and features, which increases the cost and makes them less appealing to budget-conscious consumers. If you’re considering purchasing a new vehicle in these times, keep in mind that you may not get exactly what you want in a vehicle. This can be prevented with a little patience, all you have to do is simply wait out this global semiconductor shortage which should be over soon. Getting the vehicle of your dreams is still possible despite the worldwide shortage of vehicles, so don’t lose hope! The Answer Is Now that both sides to the argument have been made, the answer to the question “Is Buying a Car in 2022 Worth It” still remains a resounding yes. This is because the power is still in the hands of the consumer, even with the reduced supply of new and pre-owned vehicles. Consumers are more powerful than ever in the post-pandemic world, and it’s because struggling companies need every dollar they can get. Keep this in mind when shopping for your next vehicle, whether it’s new or pre-owned. If you’re still reading and have realized that now is better than ever to buy a new vehicle, then stop by Rick Bokman Inc. located in Olean, NY today! At Rick Bokman Inc., they stock the Olean, NY area’s biggest selection of new, pre-owned and certified pre-owned Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicles and sell them at the best prices. Get the best deal on your next Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle by shopping at Rick Bokman Inc. located in Olean today!

The Top 5 Reasons You Need an Electric Vehicle

The Top 5 Reasons You Need an Electric Vehicle

As gas prices continue to rise with no end in sight, the appeal of electric vehicles is growing stronger with each passing day. Whether you have a short drive to work or an hourslong commute, chances are you are feeling the squeeze of surging fuel prices. Fret not, as there is a solution — an electric vehicle! That’s right, electric vehicles are the best alternative to skyrocketing gas prices and they’re environmentally friendly too. While there are a number of reasons to purchase an electric vehicle in 2022, in this blog we’re going to list the five best reasons you should. Whether you’re budget conscious and looking for an alternative to these growing gas prices or you’re environmentally aware and looking for a way to benefit the earth, switching to an electric vehicle is one of the best decisions you stand to make. Gas prices aren’t going down any time soon, so don’t wait another minute, make the switch to an EV today. Tax Incentives One of the many reasons you may want to make the switch to an EV are the potential tax incentives you may qualify for from federal, local or state government. In attempts to draw the public away from fossil-fueled engines, the U.S. government has begun to offer tax incentives to help subsidize the cost of electric vehicles. Aiming for a population fully reliant on EVs, the U.S. government is offering a fairly large tax credit ranging from $2,500-7,500 for owners of hybrid and electric vehicles. Some states and local governments may also offer tax incentives or programs for EV owners, such as California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP). This program gives rebate savings directly to owners/lessees of qualifying electric vehicles, making them far more attractive to buy as opposed to a traditional internal combustion engine. If you want to find out more about your local and state government rebates and incentives for electric vehicles, all you have to do is visit their website for more info. With so many rebates and incentives available, it is no surprise that there has been a major shift to electric vehicles by both consumers and automakers alike. Are you ready to save cash while saving the environment? If so, its time to stop by Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac and make the switch to an electric vehicle today. More Affordable to Drive Yet another great reason to switch to electric vehicles — they are far more affordable to drive than your traditional internal combustion engine. The cost of owning an electric vehicle is largely reduced due to it not needing any fuel or the regular maintenance a traditional internal combustion engine requires. In addition to not needing fuel, electric motors have far fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine and do not require any oil changes. Another reason EVs are more affordable is their use of regenerative braking. Regenerative braking uses the electric motor to slow down the vehicle, which lengthens the lifespan of your brake pads while also charging your EV batteries. This not only saves you from spending on brake pads, but it also keeps you from having to hit the charging station as well — saving you both time and money. If you’re looking for a good reason to make the switch to an electric vehicle, all you have to do is look at your wallet. Whether it’s savings at the pump or at the mechanic, making the switch to an electric vehicle puts more money in your pocket while reducing your carbon footprint. Reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and the oil industry, make the switch to an electric vehicle — available here at Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac today. Surprisingly Sporty Performance Do you enjoy sporty performance each time you get behind the wheel? Then an electric vehicle is for you! Unlike regular engines, electric motors provide near-instantaneous torque when you step on the pedal. This allows you to experience the thrill of going 0 to 60 MPH in mere seconds, without putting a huge dent in your wallet. Electric vehicles also boast incredible handling capabilities thanks to their lower center of gravity and impeccable weight distribution. Most EVs are designed with a battery pack positioned in the center of the vehicle, which increases handling, stability and cornering while also minimizing the potential for rollovers. You don’t need a car with four rings or a horse on the front to enjoy a sporty driving experience — all you need is an electric vehicle! Better Safety Driving a car down a public road comes with it’s own set of hazards — hazards we typically tend to accept without even a second thought. When you really think about it, hurling down the road in a few tons of metal filled with a flammable liquid probably is not the best idea and is frankly, a bit anxiety-inducing. Electric vehicles may not be the perfect answer when it comes to safety. However, they are far safer than a traditional car, truck or SUV that uses an internal combustion engine. Wondering how that is possible? It’s simple — electric vehicles don’t use gas and contain fewer components than traditional vehicles. Being that electric vehicles have fewer components than traditional vehicles, manufacturers are able to approach vehicle design in a new manner. This new approach has led to improved crumple zones, stronger body design and improved overall safety. Remember the mention of battery packs in EVs being located in the center of the vehicle? That also provides extra safety as it lowers the EVs center of gravity and removes the use of gas, a very flammable substance. Are you ready for a phenomenal driving experience but want peace of mind, knowing you and your family are safe? Then you need to make the switch to an electric vehicle today! Electric vehicles aren’t just better for the environment, they’re safer to drive as well. Great for the Environment One of the more obvious reasons behind buying an electric vehicle is the impact — or lack thereof — that they have on the environment. While internal combustion engines are gas-powered and require regular oil changes to operate, electric vehicles feature an electric motor that doesn’t need fuel or oil to run. This means not only will you save money on fuel and oil changes, but you’ll also be helping out the environment too. The rise of electric vehicles has also sparked a rise in the use of solar panels in homes throughout the United States. Solar panels are great, they allow you to harness the sun's energy and use it in lieu of traditional fossil fuels that harm the environment. Many owners of EVs are now installing solar panels on their homes in order to reduce their electricity bill — and further reduce their carbon footprint. If you want to do your part in helping the environment, buying an EV is a great way to do so. Electric vehicles don’t need oil changes, don’t need gas and can even be charged up using solar power. Are you environmentally conscious? If so, then you need to switch to an electric vehicle as soon as possible. Are You Ready? Now that you’ve read through the top five reasons to purchase an electric vehicle, are you ready to make the switch? If so, then Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac is here to help. Here at Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac, we don’t just have Olean’s best selection of new and used vehicles — we have the largest selection of electric vehicles too! If you want to eliminate your gas expense and reduce your carbon footprint then you need to stop by Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac and purchase your first EV today.