Anya Fetcher
Statement: $2.85M for EV charging in Maine
Media Contacts
Newly announced National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program to accelerate Maine’s EV market
Environment Maine
PORTLAND, Maine — The U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy announced Thursday that Maine will receive $2.85M for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Lack of available electric vehicle charging is a major barrier preventing people from making the switch to an electric car. This new funding will create a better network of EV charging across Maine and help address global warming pollution by growing the EV market.
In a report released last year, Environment Maine estimated that Maine would need an additional 265 fast chargers and 4,037 Level 2 chargers by 2030 to meet anticipated demand. Level 2 chargers plug into a 240 volt outlet like a washer/dryer unit and can fully charge a vehicle in three to eight hours. Some progress has been made since April 2021, but the state still has a long way to go. In addition to installing more EV charging in Maine, policymakers can do more to bring down the upfront cost of EVs, according to Environment Maine.
Anya Fetcher, Environment Maine State Director, issued the following statement:
“This electric vehicle infrastructure money will allow Maine to build the charging stations needed by the rising adoption of electric vehicles across the state. A more prolific charging network makes it easier for people to choose to drive an electric car and feel confident they have a place to power up along the way. This is a key to unlocking a more climate-friendly future for transportation in Maine.
“Fossil fuel-powered transportation is the largest contributor of carbon emissions in Maine. To clean our air and make meaningful progress against climate change, transitioning from gasoline-powered to electric vehicles is a must. This opportunity to build a national network of electric vehicle stations is an exciting step towards a zero emission future. Restoring the electric vehicle tax credit is the next step Congress should take to ensure these cars are affordable, allowing the electric vehicle market to continue to grow.”