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.
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.
Incentives for EV Chargers
Efficiency Maine periodically releases grant opportunities for the installation of public, workplace, and multi-unit dwelling (MUD) EV chargers. To see current grant opportunities, please visit our Opportunities page.
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 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.
- EV Charging Equipment Suppliers: These businesses sell electric vehicle charging equipment for residential and commercial use.
- Installers of Level 2 EV Chargers: These companies have experience installing Level 2 electric vehicle charging equipment in Maine.
- Project Management Assistance for Level 2 EV Chargers: These companies can provide advice and project management services for Level 2 charging projects.
- 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.
- 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.