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:

^{*Actual charge times will vary depending on charger amperage and acceptance rate of vehicle.}

Funding for EV Charging Stations

Efficiency Maine offers a $300 Off-Peak Level 2 Charger Discount to Maine residents and businesses.

Efficiency Maine periodically releases funding opportunities for public Level 2 and Level 3/DC charging stations. These incentives have enabled the deployment of hundreds of charging plugs across the state.

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 Station Locator: Alternative Fueling Station Locator from the U.S. Department of Energy
• 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 electric vehicle (EV) at home and away from home.
• PlugStar Home EV Charger Shopping Tool: Search home EV chargers by price, features, and charging level.
• 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.
• Managed EV Charging Incentives: Efficiency Maine offers residential EV owners an incentive for reducing the power they draw from the electric grid at certain times.
• Available EV Charging 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.

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.
• Donation Programs for Electric Vehicle Chargers
• List of EV Charging Service Providers: These companies have experience installing, supplying, and providing project management assistance for EV charging stations.
• Qualified Partners: 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.