Electric Vehicle Charging Options

By utilizing a standard wall outlet in your garage, you can charge your EV in about half a day. Generally speaking, charging an EV at home adds about 3,000 kWh to your consumption annually or 275 kWh per month. You’ll see an increase in your monthly electricity bill that is offset by fewer trips to the gas station.

Generally, no heads-up to your electric company is needed for level 1 charging.

Level 2 charging options require professional installation of a more robust outlet (similar to a clothes dryer) that enables a faster vehicle charge. Coupled with a smart EV charger that shares a data connection with the EV and the charging operator, it’s an intelligent system that provides real-time information.

It's important to let your electric company know when you've installed a level 2 charger. Learn more and let us know.

Massachusetts residential electric customers:

You can now receive money to set up a Level 2 EV charger for your home. Learn more about our Ready2Charge Rebate Program!

Direct Current (DC) Fast Charging (previously referred to as Level 3 Charging), can recharge a vehicle in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the model. This commercial-level charging option is largely being explored by state/government entities along interstate highways and still faces some major challenges for large-scale implementation, including cost, compatibility and specialized infrastructure needs.

It's important to let your electric company know when you've installed a DC Fast Charging station. Learn more and let us know.

EV manufacturers have advanced telematics embedded in vehicles, enabling owners to learn about how their vehicle uses energy through a mobile app. Driving analysis, vehicle navigation and charging data are collected to provide drivers with information to help optimize the safety, efficiency and quality of their travel.

The network of public charging stations is growing every day. Unitil is a member of the National Electric Highway Coalition, a collaboration of electric companies that are committed to providing fast charging stations that will allow the public to drive EVs with confidence along major U.S. travel corridors.

There are multiple resources to locate charging stations on the go including Plugshare and the Alternative Fuels Data Center.

Many public charging station operators also offer mobile apps which include maps of charger locations.