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Electric Vehicle Charging

Why add an electric vehicle (EV) charging station?

Many businesses, municipalities and other host sites find that installing an electric vehicle charging station can increase workplace loyalty, demonstrate sustainability commitments, strengthen relationships with customers and attract new ones.

EV charging can help you reduce the environmental impact and cost of employee and customer commuting and travel, and support growing EV fleets.

About EV Charging Stations

There are three primary types of charging equipment:

 

Description

Best Suited

Power Supply

Approximate Charging Time

Typical Costs* 

Efficiency Maine Funding

Level 1

Typically the charger included with an EV car purchase.

Residential, workplace

Standard 120V outlet (house outlet)

8-15 hours

$300-$1,500 equipment; 0-$3,000 installation

N/A

Level 2

Most home and public chargers are Level 2.

Residential, workplace, multifamily dwellings

240 V
(similar to an electric dryer)

3-8 hours

$400-$6,500 equipment; $600-$12,700 installation (networking typically increases costs)

Grants available for public chargers. Click here for more information.

Level 3 or
DC Fast Charging

Fastest kind of charging available.

Sites catering to through-travelers or sites with high-demand

20-150 kW

20 min – 1 hour

$10,000-$40,000 equipment; $4,000-$51,000 installation

Efficiency Maine is directly installing fast chargers along priority corridors. Click here for more information.

*Costs Associated with Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, November 2015) accessed April 1, 2019.

About Charging Connections

The most common (and preferred) connector for Level 2 charging stations is the SAE J1772. It is the connector used by most electric vehicles. A CHAdeMO and SAE Combo CCS connector will make a Level 3 charger compatible with most makes and models of electric vehicles, although some older electric vehicles are unable to charge at Level 3 stations. Some electric vehicles, like Tesla models, have proprietary charging connections. Typically, only Tesla vehicles can charger at Tesla chargers, and can only charge at other stations with an adapter.  

Charging Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will drivers need to charge? (or, How long does it take to charge a vehicle?)

Workplaces most frequently install Level 1 or Level 2 chargers because employees can charge over several hours. Similarly, multifamily buildings can offer overnight charging to residents. Service stations or other locations serving multiple customers or through-traffic might opt to provide a quicker charge with a Level 3 charger.

Do I want to install a smart station or a non-networked station?

Adding networking capabilities to your station allows it to be findable online, allows payment to be collected via credit card or app, and allows for some remote servicing and troubleshooting. Networking capabilities adds to installation and operational costs, however.

 How many chargers do I need?

Some sites may choose to start with one charger to gauge interest, and including networking capabilities to a charger may be one way to monitor demand. Others may want to install more than one charger to meet demand and/or ensure that customers do not have a long wait for access.

How do I get started assessing my site and installing a charger?

You may want to work with a full-service charging equipment company – these companies assess the site, install the charging unit, and collect charging payments. Many host sites opt for this option if they hope to collect payments or want to install a Level 3 charger.

You may also want to purchase charging equipment and work with an electrician or company with charging installation experience. Many host sites opt for this approach when their site has been determined, they are not collecting payment, or they are installing a Level 2 charging station. 

How do I select a site for my charger?

Do you have a building in proximity to available parking and the potential charging site? Attaching the charger to a building rather than a stand-alone pedestal can reduce installation costs. Bringing power to the electric vehicle charging site can also significantly impact installation costs, so it may be advantageous to site the charging station near available power, especially if installing a Level 3 charger. Other site considerations include safety (lighting, visibility), protection from weather (canopies, plowing), and amenities (proximity to restrooms, food, etc.).

How can I apply for a grant for a charging station?

Please click here for more information on the charging station grant opportunity.

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