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Electric Vehicle Charging

Why Install an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station?

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. Click here to find an Efficiency Maine Qualified Partner near you with experience installing Level 2 electric vehicle chargers. 

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 purchase or lease.

Residential, workplace

Standard 120V outlet (standard home 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 outlet)

3-10 hours

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

N/A

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

N/A

*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 current models of 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. For example, Tesla vehicles can only charge at Tesla chargers and would require an adapter to use other charging stations.

Charging Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What is the difference between a networked and non-networked charging station?

Adding networking capabilities to your station allows it to be searchable online, allows payment to be collected via credit card or app, and allows for some remote servicing and troubleshooting. Including networking capabilities does add to installation and operational costs. 

 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 with 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.).

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