Efficiency Maine Debuts Electric Vehicle Educational Video Campaign, EV “How To” Guidebook, and Newly Redesigned EV Web Resources

Augusta, Maine – Sept. 29, 2021 – Efficiency Maine today announced it is launching an electric vehicle (EV) educational video campaign, featuring Maine humorist and car enthusiast Tim Sample. The new videos, which will be released weekly throughout October and November on newly redesigned Efficiency Maine web pages, complement a rich array of educational materials about EVs, rebates, and charging infrastructure to help Maine consumers learn more about and become more comfortable with EVs. 

“We wanted to draw attention to National Drive Electric Week and felt it was fitting to launch our new series of EV videos,” said Michael Stoddard, executive director of the Efficiency Maine Trust. “We’re grateful to have collaborated with Tim Sample, who has added a fun, Made-in-Maine feel to important information about electric vehicles.”

A campaign introduction video titled “Go the Distance in an Electric Vehicle,” kicks off the series with Maine personality Tim Sample talking about the “new cars” on the roads in Maine — EVs. Sample lists some of the benefits of EVs placed in the context of the state’s goals to reduce carbon emissions. The video series will be displayed on a new “carousel” feature at the top of the redesigned Efficiency Maine web page, which encourages visitors to click through and view videos as new ones are added to the series. 

In addition to the campaign introduction video, the website includes an instructional video on the different ways to pay for a charge at any public charging station. Other videos under production will describe where and how to find an EV charger in Maine; the different types of charger plugs; basic instructions on how to charge an EV; considerations on charging at home; how to maximize a charge, and “one-pedal driving,” which enables drivers to come to a full stop without using the brake pedal.

In addition to the videos, Mainers can find extensive information on the refreshed Efficiency Maine EV web pages, including a new guidebook on “How to Select and Install a Home Electric Vehicle Charger,” which provides useful information and tips for current and prospective EV owners. The guide answers common questions about home EV charging, such as:

• What is a Level 2 EV charger?
• Why should I charge my EV at home?
• Where can I buy an EV charger?
• How much does it cost to purchase and install a charger?
• Where can I find an electrician to install my charger?

The guide will be distributed through Efficiency Maine EV Participating Dealers, online, and through partner organizations. Organizations interested in distributing hard copies of this guide, may call 866-376-2463 or email info@efficiencymaine.com. A digital copy also can be downloaded at www.efficiencymaine.com/docs/EV-Home-Charger-Guide.pdf.

Efficiency Maine appreciates the support of the Maine Public Utilities Commission, which helped fund the “how to” manual. The guidebook, as well as a list of eligible vehicles, available rebates, participating EV dealers, charging station locator, and vehicle cost calculator that can be found at efficiencymaine.com/ev.

Efficiency Maine recently extended its EV rebate program for another year and estimates it has sufficient funds to provide rebates for approximately 2,500 more EV purchases. The program provides instant rebates for eligible BEVs and PHEVs at 67 participating car dealers in Maine. The standard rebate is $2,000 for a BEV and $1,000 for a PHEV. Higher rebates are available for low-income customers, governmental entities, and select nonprofits. For a limited time, Efficiency Maine is offering a promotion for businesses on the purchase of two to 10 vehicles, paying rebates of $4,500 on a BEV or $3,500 on a PHEV for the first 50 vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more, visit  https://www.efficiencymaine.com/electric-vehicle-rebates/. 

Efficiency Maine’s EV work also includes an initiative to install a network of universal, publicly accessible EV chargers across Maine. A first phase of this initiative developed a network of high-speed EV chargers (also called “Level 3” chargers or “DC fast chargers”) on the Maine Turnpike at the Kennebunk plazas (northbound and southbound) and the West Gardiner plaza, as well as in Jackman, Skowhegan, Farmington and North Windham. A subsequent phase is developing public high-speed EV chargers in Lewiston-Auburn, Fairfield, Newport, Bangor, Ellsworth, and Belfast. 

In addition to installing these publicly accessible fast chargers, Efficiency Maine is also supporting the expansion of lower-cost, public Level 2 chargers in other strategic locations across the state. To date, it has helped fund 150 new, public plugs in Maine’s public EV charging network, which has now grown to a total of 120 DC high-speed charging plugs and 395 Level 2 “community” plugs.

To learn more about electric vehicle technology and how to maximize its benefits visit www.efficiencymaine.com/ev. 

About Efficiency Maine Trust

Efficiency Maine Trust is the independent administrator for programs to improve the efficiency of energy use and reduce greenhouse gases in Maine. The Trust does this primarily by delivering financial incentives on the purchase of high-efficiency equipment or changes to operations that help customers save electricity, natural gas, and other fuels throughout the Maine economy. The Trust is a quasi-state agency governed by a Board of Trustees with oversight from the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Visit www.efficiencymaine.com for more information.

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Contact:
Kate Rankin, Senior Communications Manager
Efficiency Maine Trust
207-512-5905
Kate.rankin@efficiencymaine.com