Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

Recently, the Biden-Harris Administation signed the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) as the Infrastructure Development and Jobs Act (IIJA). BIL is investing $7.5 billion to help buildout a national network of 500,000 EV charging stations. With that, $5 billion will be allocated with formula funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program, with the additional $2.5 billion for additional charging and fueling infrastructure. The overarching goal of BIL is to help states procure and install EV charging stations with the intent of building a network of EV chargers that support charging in communities where people live, work, and shop, as well as along corridors and Interstates. 

At the state level, Massachusetts will receive $63.5 million in NEVI formula to fund a new EV infrastructure program over a five-year apportionment. In order to receive program funding, an FHWA-approved State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan is a prerequisite. The transition to electric vehicles in the Commonwealth is imperative. In December 2020, the Commonwealth released the Massachusetts 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap to chart pathways and strategies to meet Net Zero emissions by 2050. The Roadmap calls for the complete transition to zero emission light-duty electric vehicles by 2050. To help achieve this, CMRPC has begun efforts to assist our communities to identify locations to procure and install EV chargers. In the future, CMRPC plans to develop an EV charging infrastructure development plan.  

What is an Electric Vehicle (EV)?

Electric Vehicle (EV) - also refered to as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), EVs have a battery that is charged solely by plugging the vehicle into a charger. EVs can only operate on electricity. EVs typically require very low maintenance, which helps save on costs over the lifetime of the vehicle. On average, EVs have a range between about 50-300 miles, with some models able to meet ranges up to 400 miles on a single charge. The overall range of an EV can depend on driving conditions, driving habits, and use of climate controls.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) - powered by both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor. A PHEV can operate on all-electric mode and must be plugged into a charger to recharge. If a PHEV runs of electric range the vehicle can switch to its ICE. Typically, a PHEV can travel between 20-40 miles on all electric modes, with some models able to exceed that range.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) - powered by a combination of an ICE and an electric motor. The electric motor does not plug in to charge. The electric motor is recharged through a system of regenerative breaking. 

See technical resources and studies below for more information.

EV Levels of Charging

Level 1 - every type of EV can be charged by a Level 1 charger, which uses a common 120 Volt (V) household outlet to a J1772 Connecor. Level 1 charging is the slowest way to charge an EV and is most commonly used for charging at home. Typically, Level 1 charging can charge an EV at about 5 miles of range per 1 hour of charging.

Level 2 - every PEV can be charging by a Level 2 charger, which uses a 208-240V plug outlet and a J1772 Connector. Level 2 offers much fast charging than Level 1 charging and is commonly used for at-home, public, and private charging. Level 2 charging can charge an EV at about 25 miles of range per 1 hour of charging, with newer models able to offer even faster charging rates. Tesla vehicles are able to use an adapter to charge via Level 2. According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, about 80% of public chargers are Level 2 in the U.S. as of 2021. 

Direct Current (DC) Fast Charging - the fastest rate of charging equipment. DC fast chargers uses at least a 480V plug service. Not all EVs can charge using a DC fast charger. DC Fast Chargers are very expensive to install and are typically not installed at a residential location. DC Fast Chargers are best for everyday use, including along heavy traffic corridors, interstates, public charging locations, workplace charging locations, and private charging locations. DC fast charging can charge an EV at about 100-200 miles of range per 30 minutes of charging. There are three different types of DC fast charging connectors: SAE Combined Charging System (CCS); CHAdeMO; and Tesla Superchargers. Only Tesla vehicles and other select EV models can use DC fast chargers. According to the Alternative Fuel Data Center, about 15% of public chargers are DC fast chargers in the U.S. as of 2021. 

See technical resources and studies below for more information.

Technical Resources and Studies

CMRPC Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations Dashboard 

CMMPO Air Quality Module: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure