EV Updates

Electric Vehicles (EVs) and vehicle fleets are the perfect pairing; with lower maintenance and operating costs, direct control over the fuel source, and added environmental benefits, EVs offer fleet managers more control over their vehicles. However, operators can only capitalize on the benefits of electrifying a fleet with reliable charging infrastructure. 

One of fleet managers’ primary responsibilities is ensuring their vehicles are ready for deployment. For electric fleets, this readiness relies on the availability of well-maintained charging stations. Although these stations are easier to maintain than traditional gas pumps, their upkeep is still vital for sustaining operational efficiency. 

At ReVision Energy, we install and service charging stations for various applications. Our entire residential sales fleet is electric, with twelve Level 2 chargers constantly in use throughout the day at our headquarters. Josh Baston, ReVision’s EV Infrastructure Operations Manager, shares some lessons we’ve learned about EV charging service in our fifteen years of installing charging stations. Here are six key takeaways fleet managers should consider for keeping their charging stations running smoothly: 

User Education 

Josh emphasizes that educating vehicle users is critical to minimizing servicing needs. “It boils down to making it easy for the fleet users to do the right thing.”  Proper handling of the chargers is essential. Here’s how we do it at ReVision: 

1. Easily accessible instructions:

   One of the easiest ways to ensure people are informed is to place user instructions on the chargers themselves. This placement will help guide and remind users of best practices when handling the chargers. These instructions should include elements like step-by-step charging instructions (how to plug the vehicle in), troubleshooting tips (what to do if the charger doesn’t start and indicators of a successful connection), and maintenance reminders (keeping the area clean and conducting regular visual checks). Instructions should include specifics unique to your fleet as well. At ReVision, we use RFID cards to activate and collect charging data. When first implemented, we had some issues with users not understanding how to activate the chargers with the RFID cards. Clear and accessible instructions solved this problem.

2. Cable management:Proper cable management is another way to minimize misuse. Many installers, ReVision included, offer a retractable cable system that automatically coils the cable back into the charger, ensuring the connector isn’t left on the ground, where most of the damage occurs.

Preventative Measures

Adopting proactive preventative measures is crucial in managing an efficient charging station network. By staying prepared, fleet managers can safeguard against unexpected issues and maintain high service reliability. Here are some tips: 

1. Power-sharing chargers:

   To address electrical capacity concerns, fleet managers should consider chargers that share power rather than requiring additional capacity. This approach allows for the expansion of charging infrastructure without significant and potentially costly electrical upgrades. Power-sharing chargers can communicate with each other in a closed network, reducing their power output to stay below an established threshold. These chargers enable operators to set power limits for an entire group of chargers.

2. Contingency plan:Having a backup plan in case of an outage will ensure fleets are still prepared to operate in unexpected situations. This plan could be as simple as knowing the location of the closest non-network or public fast charging stations.

3. EV charging service provider:Maintain direct communication with your charger provider to know who will service your chargers, especially since many providers outsource their servicing. If a maintenance contract is established, it should specify response and repair times, as well as uptime requirements.

4. Spare chargers:Keep a spare charger on hand to minimize the charger outage time. This strategy will also reduce maintenance costs, allowing immediate replacement without waiting for repairs. If a broken charger is under warranty, the replacement charger sent by the provider will act as the new spare.

Effective management and maintenance of EV charging stations are fundamental to harnessing the full potential of electric vehicle fleets. Through user education and preventative measures, fleet managers can increase the lifespan and reliability of their charging infrastructure. 

Interested in learning more about fleet electrification? Register for an upcoming Zoom webinar on August 20th at 12:00pm EST. 

Want to get in touch with our EV team to electrify your fleet? Fill out the form on our commercial EV charging page or send us an email hello@revisionenergy.com and we’ll reach out.

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If you’re a business owner, chances are you have employees who currently own or are considering buying an all-battery electric car or a plug-in hybrid. If not now, they certainly will in the future. You have also likely noticed a shift in consumer sentiment towards choosing businesses that employ environmentally sustainable business practices. Workplace electric vehicle (EV) charging is one of many ways to promote sustainability in your organization and accommodate employees who are already driving electric. Still not convinced? We’ve got some data to prove it.  

Convenience and Productivity 

Introducing charging stations at the workplace gives employees who drive EVs the dual benefit of convenience and productivity. What may be considered an amenity now will eventually be a necessity, as more employees need to charge their vehicles during work hours. Providing charging on-site means they won’t need to seek out charging stations elsewhere.   

Attracting and Retaining Talent  

As competition in the job market has increased, it’s harder for businesses to distinguish themselves as desirable employers. Providing charging stations is a way to differentiate your business; it’s a notable perk for prospective employees. A 2022 survey by Deloitte reveals that the climate crisis is a top concern for Gen Zs and millennials, and that two out of five turned down a job because it didn’t align with their personal values. On top of that, younger workers who were satisfied with their employers’ environmental impact were more likely to stay with the company for more than five years. Providing charging stations shows a company’s commitment to sustainability and addresses the growing demand for EV charging stations, appealing to a diverse workforce. 

This growing environmental awareness is apparent in the rising adoption rate of EVs in New England. The ISO-NE 2023 Transportation Electrification Forecast predicts that the number of EVs on the road will be 32 times greater in ten years (a 14% increase from 2022’s prediction). With an increase in both the adoption rate of EVs and a preference for environmentally conscious employers, workplace charging is becoming a more powerful recruitment and retention tool. 

Financial Incentives

Attracting and maintaining a talented workforce and reducing turnover rates have clear financial benefits for business owners and their employees. Businesses generally have lower energy prices and can extend these cost benefits to employees, offering them a more affordable charging solution at work than at home. Workplace charging can also be added to a benefits package.  

One of ReVision’s Solar Designers, Erik Mitchell, drives an EV and uses ReVision’s charging stations frequently: “One of the big benefits is I don’t have to rely fully on charging at home. Being able to charge while I am at the office is convenient and helpful.”  

Reducing employee turnover leads to big cost savings. On average, 3.8% of employees leave their jobs each month. (This means that for a company of 500 employees, 19 people are leaving every month!) The average cost-per-hire in 2023 was $4,700. The graph below shows the cost savings an organization with 500 employees could expect with a reduction in monthly employee turnover. By reducing employee turnover by half a percent, this 500-person business could save $141,000 in one year! 

Because of the environmental advantages that EVs offer, many lawmakers are working to increase the number of EVs around the country to help meet climate goals. Currently, the Federal government offers a tax credit for up to 30% of the installation costs of charging stations. New England states offer a wide variety of additional financial incentives, including more tax credits, grants, and rebates. These incentives help alleviate the upfront costs associated with the installation of EV charging stations, making it a more realistic investment for companies. Check out our breakdown of the different incentives offered by each state here. 

Supporting Corporate Sustainability 

Installing EV chargers helps businesses lower their carbon emissions, enabling them to achieve their broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. These emissions reductions earn points for sustainable building certifications like the LEED, STARS, and Green Globes certifications, which are tangible demonstrations of a firm’s dedication to combating climate change. Workplace charging can also improve a company’s environmental impact area of their B Corp score, another demonstration of a commitment to CSR. Highlighting these efforts in annual reports and marketing initiatives can bolster a company’s brand image and reputation.

Trying to figure out where to begin? ReVision Energy’s EV team has years of experience navigating the various options and incentives for workplace charging, and we can help you with any of these steps: 

1. Measure your employees’ interest.

Surveying your workforce can be an excellent way to gauge if your current employees would be interested in workplace charging. 

2. Evaluate your building’s capability to support EV charging.

Talk to an electrician to get information about your building’s current electrical capacity. 

3. Explore funding opportunities.

Government grants, partnerships with EV charging providers, or allocations from corporate sustainability budgets can be promising avenues for securing the necessary resources. 

4. Research your options.

Figure out which EV charging station (Level 1, Level 2, or DCFC) makes the most sense for your business. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Level 2 chargers are the most common charging stations, allowing for multiple EVs to be charged throughout the day. 

5. Reach out to us for help.

The shift towards electric vehicles is accelerating, and businesses need to anticipate and prepare for this transition. Get in touch with ReVision’s EV team to see how you can get started and access the benefits of workplace charging.  

Electric Vehicle charging is spreading across New England, making it easier to drive electric and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Through a combination of federal grants and state efficiency programs, ReVision Energy has been selected as the designated installer for many of these charge ports, and we’d like to highlight some of them in this column. 

DC Fast Chargers at Mobil: Lewiston

In 2023, ReVision Energy completed the installation of one of the first fast chargers in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Mobil station owner Nino Touse recognized the need to fill charging gaps along the I-95 stretch and, with the help of an Efficiency Maine Volkswagen subsidy, took the initiative. 

ReVision installed two 50 kW DC fast chargers (DCFCs), ChargePoint CTE 250 models, providing turnkey installation service. These public chargers serve both local and visiting drivers, contributing significantly to the EV infrastructure in the region. The installation was marked by a memorable ribbon-cutting ceremony organized by the Mayor of Lewiston’s office and the Chamber of Commerce. 

Electric Vehicle charging is spreading across New England, making it easier to drive electric and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Through a combination of federal grants and state efficiency programs, ReVision Energy has been selected as the designated installer for many of these charge ports, and we’d like to highlight some of them in this column. 

Hannaford’s Workplace Charging: Scarborough

In 2017, ReVision Energy teamed up with Enphase to install four Level 2, 32A chargers at Hannaford’s Scarborough, ME headquarters. This was one of the first workplace charging stations in state! The reliable charging units from Enphase have been operational since their installation, serving both employees and customers at Hannaford’s headquarters.  

This was only the beginning of Hannaford’s EV charging journey. Hannaford extended their commitment to clean energy by facilitating the placement of Maine’s first five DC Fast Chargers at their retail locations along I-95, from York through Augusta. They have also expanded EV charging in their store parking areas, installing more than 163 plugs at 31 stores (and growing) throughout the Northeast. 

In addition to EV charging, Hannaford has made huge steps towards greater sustainability in recent years, and has set a goal of being 100% powered by renewable energy in 2024.   

Hannaford’s workplace and public EV charging highlight the potential for businesses to easily mesh their sustainability goals with customer and employee needs. 

For more information about how EV charging could benefit your business, check out our most recent post on the advantages of workplace EV charging.

Electric Vehicle charging is spreading across New England, making it easier to drive electric and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Through a combination of federal grants and state efficiency programs, ReVision Energy has been selected as the designated installer for many of these charge ports, and we’d like to highlight some of them in this column. 

Maine Hospitality: Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth

In 2021, ReVision Energy partnered with Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, ME to upgrade its charging resources for guests, installing four additional 32A Level 2 chargers. These commercial-grade Enphase basic non-networked chargers expanded the inn’s offering to a total of five charging ports with dedicated parking. All chargers, including a Tesla Level 2, are connected to a dedicated 200A subpanel. 

Inn by the Sea recognizes the hospitality industry’s potential for attracting new guests by offering charging as an amenity. The Inn has become an early adopter of this trend, boosting its appeal to out-of-state guests who require overnight charging for their electric vehicles. This additional service not only accommodates guests’ charging needs but also encourages patronage of the inn’s facilities, such as the restaurant. 

Inn by the Sea is also committed to helping the community more broadly. The Inn has partnered with Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland to host an “adopt a dog” program at the front desk, allowing guests to bond with a “dog of the week.” This program has helped over 160 dogs find loving homes. Where else can you charge your car, adopt a dog, and get a luxury hospitality experience?? 

Comments from PlugShare: 

“Stayed at Inn by the Sea and took advantage of the free charging stations. Appreciate having this option available. Great example to others. Hope this is a trend.” 

“The front desk said it was okay to charge even though we weren’t staying at the inn. Had a nice walk to Kettle Cove and back.” 

Electric Vehicle charging is spreading across New England, making it easier to drive electric and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Through a combination of federal grants and state efficiency programs, ReVision Energy has been selected as the designated installer for many of these charge ports, and we’d like to highlight some of them in this column. 

Solar-Powered EV Charging: ReVision Energy Headquarters, South Portland

In 2023, ReVision Energy overhauled the EV charging system at our South Portland headquarters so that we could test technology we hope to eventually bring to our customers. We are currently using twelve Level 2 32A Evercharge networked units capable of load management features. These chargers are partially powered by our rooftop solar array.  

This switch aimed to streamline and expand our charging capabilities without having to increase the size of our electrical service. Evercharge’s technology stands out by allowing power sharing based on existing electrical loads. This enables more ports to leverage limited power by distributing it according to the number of vehicles and their respective charging needs over time.  

In addition to improving reliability, the new networked chargers are easy to repair, and provide hosts with valuable insights into charger usage, electricity consumption, and fleet management. This will ultimately allow us to install large multi-port projects elsewhere, serving both the public and workplace charging needs. 

Check out a recent post on the advantages of workplace EV charging here.

Comments from PlugShare: 

“Great company. Many chargers here.” 

“The wall mounted chargers are active and ready to go!” 

Electric Vehicle charging is spreading across New England, making it easier to drive electric and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Through a combination of federal grants and state efficiency programs, ReVision Energy has been selected as the designated installer for many of these charge ports, and we’d like to highlight some of them in this column. 

City of Portland: City Hall, Jetport, Payson Park, High Street

In 2020, ReVision Energy, in collaboration with the City of Portland, installed a public charging station at City Hall. The charging station is a ChargePoint CT-4000 series networked pedestal charger with a single 32A port and operates on a fee-for-service basis.

The charger’s location at 389 Congress Street in front of the City Hall was carefully selected for its prominence. This location has become one of the most used public chargers in Portland’s growing charging network.

In addition to the City Hall project, ReVision has also installed chargers at the Portland Jetport, High Street, and Payson Park. Each project was specifically designed to cater to different charging behaviors, and the success of these installations highlights the increasing acceptance and adoption of electric vehicles in Portland.

It also shows the city’s commitment to promoting clean transportation and reducing carbon emissions as part of its One Climate Future program, which it created jointly with the City of South Portland.

City of Portland PlugShare Comments:

“Easy to access…Good charging stop during our visit.”

“Great place to grab a charge – and park in downtown Portland. No additional parking fee beyond the Chargepoint charging cost.”

Electric Vehicle charging is spreading across New England, making it easier to drive electric and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Through a combination of federal grants and state efficiency programs, ReVision Energy has been selected as the designated installer for many of these charge ports, and we’d like to highlight some of them in this column.

DC Fast Charging on I-95 Maine Turnpike

In 2019, ReVision Energy and ChargePoint won a bid from Efficiency Maine to install DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) and Level 2 Chargers at seven sites statewide, including the Kennebunk North, Kennebunk South, and West Gardiner service plazas on the Maine Turnpike.

ReVision initially installed two 50 kW CPE-250 DC Fast Chargers at both Kennebunk service plazas. These DC Fast Chargers can add 200 to 250 miles of range per hour. This infrastructure was Maine’s first significant investment in long-distance EV travel corridors. In 2022, the project expanded, adding two ChargePoint Express Plus 150 kW DCFC units at each Kennebunk location. These units are the first public application of ChargePoint’s fastest charging technology in the United States.

These chargers make driving through Maine in an EV exponentially easier, allowing drivers to charge their cars while visiting the service plazas. The chargers are three times as fast as the older 50 kW versions and many newer model EVs can take advantage of them to compress charging times.

The success of this two-phase project proves the effectiveness of partnerships in expanding EV infrastructure and emphasizes the potential for public and commercial EV charging facilities.

Maine Turnpike Comments from PlugShare:

“Tons of open spaces and they all appear to be working. This is one of my favorite charging spots. It’s clean, well lit, and just outside the large rest stop on the Maine turnpike.”

“Clean service area, fast charging, in our VW ID.4.”

Electric Vehicle charging is spreading across New England, making it easier to drive electric and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Through a combination of federal grants and state efficiency programs, ReVision Energy has been selected as the designated installer for many of these charge ports, and we’d like to highlight some of them in this column. 

Town of Kittery: Public, Workplace, and Fleet Chargers Installation

In 2021, ReVision Energy and Central Maine Power (CMP) embarked on a unique pilot program together: a 60-port level 2 make-ready utility pilot. This initiative aimed to demonstrate the value of a utility-based Level 2 infrastructure project to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). As part of this pilot, ReVision Energy installed four 32A Level 2 chargers at Kittery’s Town Hall, utilizing Enphase HCS-40R units.

These chargers were installed across two pedestals, each featuring two basic chargers. The installation serves the public, the town’s employees, and the town’s fleet, enhancing accessibility to electric vehicle charging for a broad range of users.

This utility pilot project, which covered 14 sites across the state from Kittery to Saddleback Ski Area, leveraged the utility subsidy and ReVision Energy’s construction expertise. ReVision was CMP’s sole source installer for this project.

The Kittery project is in line with the Regional Sustainability and Resilience Program’s aims, a collective effort established in 2019 by various towns including Kittery. The program focuses on improving community resilience through coordinated climate action and sustainability efforts. The success of the Kittery EV charging project proves that regional cooperation is effective and creates a potential model for utility-backed EV charging ventures.

Town of Kittery PlugShare Comments:

“Was great and easy to use! Quick walk to the outlets. 2 open spots when I got there.”

“Outstanding 2 units for the public on the right. Just north (across from) the police station entrance.”

“Thank you, town of Kittery!”