Efficiency Maine Releases Two New Electric Vehicle Guidebooks

Efficiency Maine has added two new guidebooks to its growing library of electric vehicle (EV) resources. “How to Charge Your Electric Vehicle at Home and Away” and “Installing Level 2 Electric Vehicle Chargers for Commercial and Public Properties” complement an existing guidebook titled “How to Select and Install a Home Electric Vehicle Charger.” These resources help residents and business owners become more familiar with electric vehicles, electric vehicle chargers and charging, and the Efficiency Maine EV rebate process. Digital copies of these guidebooks are available at EfficiencyMaine.com/electric-vehicle-resources/ and printed copies are available by calling Efficiency Maine at 866-376-2463 or filling out this form. 

Here is a preview of the information provided in the new materials:

How to Charge Your Electric Vehicle at Home and Away

This guide provides easy-to-use, practical information, including: 

• explaining the different types of charging stations; 
• benefits of charging at home vs. benefits of charging away from home; 
• how to find public charging stations; 
• how to pay for the use of public chargers; 
• EV charging best practices; 
• tips for maximizing your EV’s charge; and
• considerations for driving and charging in hot and cold weather. 

Installing Level 2 Electric Vehicle Chargers 

This guide provides information for commercial, government, and institutional property owners who are assessing whether, where, and how to install Level 2 EV charging stations on their property. While the majority of EV charging is done at home, charging in public places is important for travelers, those who lack access to home charging, and drivers of commercial vehicles. 

Public charging is increasingly an amenity that EV drivers look for at public locations, workplaces, and multi-unit dwellings. Providing charging can help attract customers, add value to rental housing, and improve employee satisfaction. This guide outlines the process of installing Level 2 EV chargers at commercial and public properties. This guide covers:

• choosing the right equipment; 
• choosing a site; 
• collecting payment; 
• purchasing EV charging equipment; and 
• finding an installer. 

Visit the Efficiency Maine website to read our new EV guidebooks and learn more about charging electric vehicles in Maine. The website provides a one-stop shop for information about EVs, rebates, and charging infrastructure to help Maine consumers become more comfortable with EVs. It features an online EV educational video library for Maine residents, businesses, and property owners, as well as a list of eligible vehicles, participating EV dealers, a charging station locator, and vehicle cost calculator. 

Efficiency Maine offers instant rebates for eligible battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) at participating Maine car dealers. Eligible BEVs and PHEVs direct from a manufacturer are eligible for mail-in rebates. For a detailed list of vehicles that qualify for Efficiency Maine rebates, visit efficiencymaine.com/docs/EV_Rebate_Eligible_Vehicles.pdf. To find a participating dealer near you, visit efficiencymaine.com/docs/EV_Accelerator_Participating_Dealers-3.pdf. Also check efficiencymaine.com/ev/ for our video library, guidebooks, and other resources.

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