The City unveiled its first electric vehicle charging station last week at the Elm Street Parking Garage. Two level II electric vehicle chargers are now operational, one of which is for use for the City’s new 2014 Nissan Leaf electric vehicle and one that is for public use.
The level II charger can charge a vehicle in four to five hours, as compared to home style chargers that plug-in to any 110-volt outlet, and take approximately 12 hours for a full charge.
The City’s new Nissan Leaf is being used by the Inspections Division and will be shared among other employees conducting city business to encourage use. The City was awarded a grant from Central Maine Power that funds half of the Leaf’s two-year lease.
Use of the Leaf allows the City to pilot electric vehicles, diversify its vehicle fleet, realize economic and environmental benefits, offer a public charging station, raise awareness and encourage further adoption of plug-in vehicles, and further its commitment to sustainable transportation options.
