Public Level 2 Electric Vehicle Chargers

Efficiency Maine seeks qualified bidders to install and operate public Level 2 EV chargers at multifamily, business, and public properties across Maine. The program offers reimbursement of up to 80% of total eligible project costs, with a maximum incentive of $12,000 per networked Level 2 port and $120,000 per site. The total available budget is $2.3 million, funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program.

Eligible equipment must include a minimum of four (4) Level 2 ports per site, each capable of serving EVs using the J1772 standard, with at least 6 kW per port simultaneously. Chargers must be new and unused, networked, ENERGY STAR certified, UL certified, tamper-proof, weather-resistant, and comply with all National Electrical Code and Federal Communications Commission regulations. Equipment must have contactless payment capabilities and not require membership for use.

Charger projects physically located in designated municipalities in Maine receive highest priority and higher scores. Bidders must be property owners or submit executed host site agreements allowing installation and operation of public EV chargers year-round, 24/7, for at least five years from commissioning. Eligible properties include multifamily properties with five or more units, business properties, and public properties. Ineligible property types include private homes, Airbnb/vacation properties, private multi-unit dwellings, PreK-12 schools, vehicle dealerships, and businesses that sell or install EV charging equipment.

Eligible costs include project design and engineering, charging equipment, installation and commissioning, networking subscription costs for the first five years, electrical service upgrades, mounting hardware, bollards, construction costs essential to installation, and extended warranties or maintenance contracts up to five years. Bidders must agree to operate and maintain chargers for at least five years, address service interruptions timely, provide snow removal, install signage, make data available to third-party developers, and not relocate or remove chargers without prior written approval during the first five years. The project completion deadline is June 3, 2028, and chargers must remain operational for at least five years from commissioning.