Lack of EV charging stations creates challenges

BLUE HILL—Owners of electric vehicles have few local options to recharge their cars.

- ELI FORMAN WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING LESLIE LANDRIGAN

Currently, there are only two public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on the entire peninsula, and none on the island. But that may change.

One of the two public charging stations is hosted by TradeWinds Market Place in Blue Hill. The station sees significant use, says co-owner Belinda Lawrence, so much so, that problems with vehicle owners leaving cars plugged in for long stretches at the expense of others seeking a charge has led TradeWinds to post a sign on the charger allotting one hour per car. Owners who overstay the limit face being towed.

“[The charging station] gets used fairly regular,” said Lawrence.

EV chargers are classified in three levels, corresponding to the amount of voltage they use. The plug at TradeWinds is a level two charger, which uses 205 volts and delivers about 30 amps.