Electric Vehicle Charging
Learn how to charge your electric vehicle, charging station installation costs for homes and businesses, and where to find public charging.
No more waiting at the gas pump. A major benefit of owning an electric vehicle (EV) is that you can charge it overnight, at home. This is how 90 percent of electric-car charging is doneI, and it's as easy as plugging in a cell phone. When you do need to charge on the go, you can make use of Vermont’s network of 300 charging stations (the most per capita in America). There are three levels and several types of chargers—some that require the assistance of an electrician, or even permits to install—so be sure to review your options before you purchase a vehicle or charger.
Charging Your Vehicle At Home
All electric cars and trucks come with a Level 1 charging cable that you can use in any household socket. Many owners opt to install a dedicated 240-volt outlet in their garage or parking spot. This often requires the assistance of an electrician, but it allows you to use a Level 2 charging station to recharge your EV up to four times faster. Some utilities offer Level 2 chargers for free when you purchase a vehicle. All charging equipment includes built-in safety features so that you can recharge your vehicle indoors or out, no matter the weather. ENERGY STAR certified electric car chargers add to the environmental benefits and cost savings of owning or leasing an EV.
- All electric vehicles come with a Level 1 charging cable that can be plugged into a regular outlet.
- Most owners opt to install a Level 2 charging station, which recharges up to four times faster (10-20 miles per hour), and some electric utilities will give you one for free.
- EV charging equipment is safe for indoor and outdoor use.
- Learn more about charging at home at DriveElectricVermont.com.
Installation Cost
As mentioned above, you’ll receive a Level 1 charger with your vehicle at no additional cost. But if you opt for a Level 2 charging station, you’ll likely need to pay an electrician to install a dedicated 240-volt outlet. Level 2 charging units typically cost several hundred dollars unless your utility offers them for free. A third option is DC fast charging (DCFC) charging (480 volts), which can charge a vehicle in a matter of minutes. Also known as Level 3, these are by far the most expensive to install, but they’re a popular choice for public use.
- There are three levels of charging, each faster than the last.
- Level 1 requires no investment or installation—just a regular 120-volt outlet.
- Level 2 requires a moderate investment and an electrician’s assistance.
- DCFC is an expensive but fast option that’s best-suited for public charging.
Battery Life of EVs
EV batteries are warranted to last eight to ten years before they need replacing. To extend the battery life, don’t leave your car on a full or empty charge for more than a few hours. Keep the vehicle charged somewhere in between—ideally 25-75%. And while fast charging is convenient, it can impact battery health over time. Avoid frequent fast charging, especially when it’s very hot or cold. When it’s hot, try to park in the shade or in a garage.
- Don’t charge to your vehicle’s max capacity: keep the charge somewhere between 25-75%.
- Park your EV in the shade during extreme heat.
- Avoid relying too heavily on fast charging, especially when it’s hot or cold.
Public Charging
In the past decade, Vermont’s public EV charging stations have gone from a handful to 300. You can find Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers in every corner of the state. A note on charging etiquette: Make sure not to park in the space unless you are actively charging. You can use a mobile app to notify you when your car is ready to go. And don’t unplug someone else’s vehicle if they aren’t there—it can set off an alarm or even damage the plug connector.
- Choose from one of 300 public charging stations across the state.
- View this map or download one of several mobile apps to find a station near you.
- Practice public charging etiquette. Don’t stay parked in the spot if you’re done charging—but don’t unplug someone’s vehicle, either. Most apps will notify you when your car is done charging.
Installing a Public Charger
For businesses or multifamily property owners, charging stations offer your EV-driving patrons, tenants, and employees a valuable benefit. But installing the right system is critical to ensure that the investment is worthwhile and that you meet people’s needs. The installation process can be complicated, so be sure to check with your town about permits and your electric utility about any additional charges to watch out for. If you’re looking to install a fast charger, you may incur costs related to municipal regulations or utility demand charges. To help recoup these costs, you can charge drivers a fee to charge their vehicles.
- Install an EV charging station to improve customer, tenant, or employee satisfaction.
- Consult with your town and utility about permits and costs.
- Recoup the installation cost by charging a small usage fee.
Setting Up Your Electric Fleet
Adding electric cars, vans, buses, or trucks to your organization’s transportation fleet is an excellent way to save money, while also reducing your carbon footprint. Organizations around the country are making the transition: USPS’s will hit the road in 2023, while FedEx has committed to 100 percent zero-emissions deliveries by 2040. Your organization can complement the switch with other strategies to foster a more energy-conscious culture. Consider implementing “smart commute” policies like flex scheduling, telecommuting, or a bus subsidy. Or, designate carpool parking spots, install charging stations, promote employee carpooling and vanpooling, or add CarShare VT vehicles.
- Save on transportation costs with more efficient fleet operations.
- Reduce your carbon footprint, promote a sustainable company culture and brand.
- Low-cost, quality-of-life benefits help you recruit and retain employees.
Read the U.S. Department of Energy’s EV Guide for Fleet Managers.