Efficiency Maine Grant Funds Public Electric Vehicle Chargers in the City of Auburn

Augusta, Maine – May 6, 2020 – The City of Auburn recently installed two public electric vehicle (EV) Level 2 chargers in its public garage at 60 Court St. as part of a statewide initiative to expand EV charging infrastructure in Maine. Using a grant from Efficiency Maine, Auburn fittingly unveiled the charging stations in commemoration of Earth Day.

Efficiency Maine is the independent administrator for programs to improve the efficiency of energy use and reduce greenhouse gases in Maine. Through its 30 grants to municipalities, universities, medical facilities, nonprofits, businesses, and schools, Efficiency Maine is helping fund the installation of 89 public Level 2 charging plugs to fill in EV charging gaps at locations across the state.

“Every study, and every major car manufacturer, tells us that EVs will become commonplace in the decade ahead, so local governments and businesses are starting to realize that if they want to attract tourists and shoppers they should accommodate EV drivers as well as traditional car drivers,” said Michael Stoddard, executive director of Efficiency Maine Trust. “Auburn clearly understands that building out a network of public EV chargers will help make electric vehicles a practical choice for local commuters, visitors, and students at the nearby college.”

Level 2 chargers are the most common chargers and are installed in homes, workplaces and public spaces. These units provide between 14 and 35 miles of range per hour, with a full charge ranging from three to 10 hours depending on the battery size in the vehicle. All Level 2 chargers have a universal “J’ plug and connect to all electric vehicle models.

“The City of Auburn is delighted to have these public chargers conveniently located in the heart of our historic, commercial district next to the Festival Plaza and Riverwalk,” said Peter Crichton, Auburn city manager.

The grant is funded with proceeds from the settlement of a lawsuit against Volkswagen (VW) for violating environmental protection laws. The settlement specified that funds be used to reduce vehicle pollution, such as by installing public EV charging stations. The initiative that funded the Auburn chargers, and awarded another four chargers on the Bates College campus, is a complement to a parallel effort under way at Efficiency Maine to develop a network of DC “fast chargers” (also called Level 3 chargers) that can deliver up to 250 miles of range per hour.

In addition to serving Mainers making longer in-state day trips, the “fast charger” network will link Maine’s major corridors and destinations to the growing number of EV drivers traveling on business or for vacation from Quebec, New Hampshire, and Southern New England. These efforts are early steps in helping the state reach its long-range targets to reduce greenhouse gases from the transportation sector.

To learn more about electric vehicle technology and how to maximize their benefits visit https://www.efficiencymaine.com/ev/about-electric-vehicles/. Drivers also can find a charging station locator on the Efficiency Maine website.

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