About Electric Vehicle Charging
Benefits
Charging in a garage or driveway is often convenient and inexpensive. For those reasons, EV drivers do most of their charging at home.
For businesses, municipalities, and multifamily residential complexes, installing an electric vehicle charging station can increase workplace loyalty, demonstrate sustainability commitments, and attract new customers.
About EV Charging Stations
There are three primary types of charging equipment:
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3/DC Fast Charger | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 120 V | 240 V | 400-1,000 V |
| Usage | Home | Home and Business | Business |
| Charging Speed* | Adds up to 5 miles of range per hour of charging | Adds up to 50 miles of range per hour of charging | Adds up to 1,000 miles of range per hour of charging |
| Typical Equipment Costs per port | $0-$200 | $500-$1,000 (residential) $1,000-$3,000 (business) |
$10,000-$200,000 |
| Typical Installation Costs per port | $0-$600 | $0-$3,000 (residential) $0-$6,000 (business) |
$20,000-$150,000 |
*Actual charging speeds depend on charger amperage and vehicle.
About Charging Connectors
The most common connector for Level 2 charging stations is the SAE J1772. This connector is compatible with all EVs in North America, although Tesla cars require a SAE J1772-to-Tesla adaptor that comes with the vehicle. Level 3/DC Fast Chargers have three types of plugs – Combined Charging System (CCS), CHAdeMO, and Tesla. Most non-Tesla EVs use CCS, with the exception of the Nissan LEAF, which uses CHAdeMO.
EV Charging Information for Drivers
- EV Charging Locator Apps: A list of websites and smartphone apps that can help EV owners with planning routes, locating EV charging stations, and paying for charging while on the road.
- Find a Residential Registered Vendor: Visit Efficiency Maine’s vendor locator tool and select “EV Chargers” to find professionals near you that can install residential EV chargers.
EV Charger Installation Information for Public and Commercial Sites
- Installing Level 2 Electric Vehicle Chargers: Guide to installing Level 2 EV chargers at commercial and public properties from Efficiency Maine.
- Maine Accessible EV Charging Guide and Checklists: Guide to locating and installing accessible and usable Level 2 and Level 3 electric vehicle chargers for public use.
- EV Charging Service Providers: List of organizations with experience installing, supplying, and providing project management assistance for EV charging stations.
- Commercial EV Charger Installers: Find an Efficiency Maine Qualified Partner near you with experience installing Level 2 chargers. Select “Electric Vehicle Chargers” on the list of service options.
- US Department of Energy’s EV Everywhere Workplace Charging Information: Resources for workplaces considering EV charging.
EV Charger Installation Information for Multi-Unit Dwellings (MUD)
- Alternative Fuels Data Center Multifamily Resources: Information for multifamily housing owners and residents.
- Drive Electric Vermont Multifamily Housing Guide: Information for installers and property owners.