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Efficiency Maine to expand EV charging access across rural Maine

The goal is to make sure rural communities have access to chargers as many shift to electric vehicles.

AUGUSTA, Maine — To make sure everyone can have a hand in keeping the roads clean, Efficiency Maine's newest initiative aims to fund infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations in rural communities.

With funding provided by the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, the money will cover up to $5,000 for the installation of EV 2 charging stations.  

According to Efficiency Maine, installation of a level 2 charger can range from $400-$6,500 for equipment and $600-$12,700 for installation.  

"Rural communities are a huge priority," program manager Molly Siegel said. "We want to make sure that they are not left out in the transition to electric vehicles. It's predicted that in 10 years, one in six vehicles on the road can be electric."

The goal is to provide more public access. Chargers will be installed at outdoor spaces like restaurants, hotels, or parking lots for all to use. 

Also supporting the initiative is The Nature Conservancy of Maine, which will cover a $2,000 bonus in costs for public libraries and local governments who take part. 

"Switching to EVs are going to accrue more greatly for rural drivers who often have further to drive for work, farther to drive for errands," Rob Wood, director of government relations and climate policy at The Nature Conservancy, said.   

By supporting installation in rural parts of the state, Efficiency Maine hopes to support EV sales, as well as attract more EV drivers to upstate areas.

"We have a lot of communities in Maine who rely on and are very dependent on tourism from other parts of the state," Siegel said. "So, it's really important that they can attract visitors as much as possible."

Any community outside of York and Cumberland counties qualifies for the program, excluding Lewiston, Auburn, and Bangor.

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