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, strengthen relationships with customers, and attract new ones.
About EV Charging Stations
There are three primary types of charging equipment:
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. 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. See graphic below for common types of connectors.
EV Charging Information for Drivers
- EV Charging Locator Apps: Information about websites and smartphone apps that can help EV owners with planning routes, locating EV charging stations, and paying for charging while on the road.
- How to Select and Install a Home Electric Vehicle Charger: Useful information and tips for current and prospective EV owners from Efficiency Maine.
- How to Charge Your EV at Home and Away: Easy-to-use, practical information about how to charge your EV at home and away from home.
- 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 AC 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.