About Electric Vehicle Charging
Why Install an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station?
Photo credit: Tom Moloughney
Charging in a single-family home, typically in a garage, is convenient and inexpensive. For those reasons, most EV drivers do more than 80% of their charging at home using either a Level 1 charger cord or a faster-charging Level 2 charger.
For public host sites like businesses, municipalities, or multi-family residential complexes, installing an electric vehicle charging station can increase workplace loyalty, demonstrate sustainability commitments, strengthen relationships with customers and attract new ones.
EV charging at a public site or workplace can help reduce the environmental impact and cost of employee and customer commuting while supporting the growth of EV fleets. Learn more about how businesses and property owners can benefit from installing EV chargers here.
About EV Charging Stations
There are three primary types of charging equipment:
Description | Suited For | Power Supply | Approximate Charging Time | Typical Costs* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Level 1 | Typically the charger included with an EV purchase or lease | Residential, workplace | Standard 120V outlet (standard home outlet) | 8-15 hours | $300-$1,500 equipment; 0-$3,000 installation |
Level 2 | A faster charging option than Level 1 for home and public use | Residential, workplace, multifamily dwellings | 240 V | 3-10 hours | $400-$6,500 equipment; $600-$12,700 installation (networking often increases costs) |
Level 3 or | Fastest kind of charging available | Sites catering to through-travelers or sites with high demand | 50-150 kW | 20 min – 1 hour | $10,000-$40,000 equipment; $4,000-$51,000 installation |
*Costs Associated with Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, November 2015) accessed May 3, 2022.
Funding for Public EV Charging Stations
Incentives are now available for public Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers in rural communities. Local governments, businesses, tribal governments, and non-profits in eligible towns may apply for this Funding Opportunity Notice (FON). Projects at local government-owned properties, tribal properties, and public libraries are eligible for enhanced incentives. Click here to learn more about this opportunity. Applications are open until November 17, 2022.
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. Both plug types work the same way.
EV Home Charger Installation Information
- How to Select and Install a Home Electric Vehicle Charger: Useful information and tips for current and prospective EV owners from Efficiency Maine.
- 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.
EV Charger Installation Information for Public Sites
- List of Maine 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.
- Drive Electric Vermont Installation Guide: Information on commercial and residential charger applications including costs, benefits, and more.
- An Introduction to Electric Vehicle-Ready Buildings: Webinar offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on March 24, 2021.
- Costs Associated with Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment: Report on EV charging station costs from the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Charging Station Installation Analysis: Engineering and cost analysis for installing new EV charging stations at ten different locations in New York State.
- US Department of Energy’s EV Everywhere Workplace Charging Information: Resources for workplaces considering EV charging.
- Qualified Partner Application: Companies with experience installing Level 2 electric vehicle chargers can apply to be an Efficiency Maine Qualified Partner.
- Service Provider Application: Interested in being listed on Efficiency Maine’s website as a provider of EV charging system services? Please submit a completed application.
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.
- Multifamily Housing Charging Station Installation Handbook from Plug-in NC.
- Getting Apartments and Condos Ready for Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charging: Fact sheet for homeowners associations from Florida Power and Light.