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Thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) for your next car? To help inform that decision, the team at Efficiency Maine has compiled answers to some of the most common questions they hear from potential EV buyers. To find instructional videos about EV charging, a guidebook on installing a home EV charger, information about available incentives, and more, visit efficiencymaine.com/ev.

What EV models are available in Maine?

Most major car manufacturers have made EVs available to Maine car dealerships, and more will be offered within the next year. Visit Efficiency Maine’s website for a list of participating dealerships and to see which models are eligible for Efficiency Maine’s instant EV rebates.

Where can I charge my EV?

More than 80% of EV charging is done at home. However, if you need to charge on the road, we have more than 250 public charging stations in Maine, according to U.S. Department of Energy statistics. You can often find chargers at shopping centers, public parks, municipal offices and businesses. Websites and apps that can help you find public chargers include PlugShare, A Better Route Planner, and efficiencymaine.com.

How do I pay for charging at a public station?

Most charging stations will let you pay using a smartphone app when you sign up for membership in a particular network, such as Chargepoint, EVGo, FLO, Blink or Electrify America. Some networks also provide an RFID card that can be used in one or more networks. Most charging stations also have a credit card reader or a toll-free number that you can call to pay by card. Finally, some stations provide electricity for free, as an extra perk for customers or employees!

How does the cost to charge an EV compare with the cost to fuel a conventional vehicle?

Let’s compare the cost to drive 100 miles in an EV versus a conventional gasoline-powered car. A typical EV using electricity from a home charger will cost about $4.80 to drive 100 miles (assuming an efficiency of 30 kWh per 100 miles and an electricity cost of 16 cents per kWh). To drive that same distance in a gasoline car that gets 28 miles per gallon (MPG) would cost about $11.17 (assuming a gas price of $3.13/gal). Keep in mind that mileage is affected by temperature, driving style, and terrain. In particular, EVs are less efficient in cold weather.

How long does it take to charge?

For most people who charge at home, it only takes a few seconds to open your car’s charge port and plug in your home charger. The car will charge while you sleep, eat, and go about your business.

Electric vehicle Vocabulary

EV (Electric Vehicle)

A broad category that includes all vehicles that can be fully powered by electricity or an electric motor.

BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)

Also known as an “all-electric” vehicle, BEVs use energy that is stored in rechargeable battery packs. BEVs sustain their power through the batteries and, therefore, must be plugged into an external electricity source to recharge.

PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles)

PHEVs contain a battery that can be charged with an external electric power source. PHEVs are a combination of an all-electric vehicles and internal Combustion Engines (ICEs).

ICE (Internal Combustion Engine)

An ICE is powered by combustible fuels, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, liquids derived from fossil fuels.

Level 1 Charger

Charges your EV using a common household outlet up to 120V. Level 1 is the slowest method of charging and can take up to 24 hours or more to fully charge your EV. A Level 1 charging cord typically comes with the purchase of a new EV.

Level 2 Charger

Charges your EV at 240V using an installed outlet or hardwired to a 240V power supply. Level 2 chargers are the most commonly recommended chargers for EV owners. Depending on your EV model and charger, a Level 2 plug can charge a vehicle five times more quickly than a Level 1 plug.

Level 3 Charger

Also known as a DC fast charger, a Level 3 plug is the fastest method of charging for compatible EVs. It can charge a BEV battery to 80% in about half an hour. Most PHEVs are not equipped for DC Fast charging.

How long does it take to charge your EV using each type of charger?

What Maine Drivers are Saying

Curious to learn more?

Visit efficiencymaine.com/ev. Here you can find:

• Video series on EV basics and tips for getting the most out of your EV

• Information about rebates and other incentives

• Vehicle Cost Calculator

• Charging Station Locator

• Guidebook “How to Select and Install a Home EV Charger”

• More FAQs about EVs and charging

New Video Series: Go the Distance in an Electric Vehicle

Watch videos about finding public chargers, charging in public, installing a home charger, one-pedal driving, and more at efficiencymaine.com/ev.

This article appeared in the 2021-22 Green & Healthy Maine WINTER Guide. Subscribe today!

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