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Electricity
How Does it Work?
Electricity can be used to power electric vehicles (EVs), including all-electric vehicles, also called battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). These vehicles can charge their batteries by drawing electricity directly from the grid and other off-board electrical power sources. In contrast, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are fueled with liquid fuels, like gasoline, but use small batteries to recapture energy otherwise lost during braking (ultimately boosting fuel economy).
Electric vehicles (EVs) use rechargeable batteries to power one or more electric motors. These batteries are charged using electricity from the grid and through regenerative braking, which captures energy during braking and returns it to the battery. Because they run on electricity, battery electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping improve local air quality, though overall emissions depend on how the electricity is generated.
EVs typically cost more upfront than comparable gasoline vehicles, but their lower fuel and maintenance costs can help offset the initial purchase price over time.
Charging Infrastructure Basics
Terminology
A station location represents a physical location with one or more EV charging stations installed and ready for use. These locations can include parking lots, garages, shopping centers, workplaces, highway rest stops, or curbside parking. Each location may have several charging ports, allowing multiple EVs to be charged simultaneously.
An EV charging port is the physical interface on an electric vehicle that allows it to connect to an external power source for charging. It serves as the point of contact for electricity to flow from a charging station into the vehicle’s battery. Charging ports can vary by vehicle make and model and are designed to be compatible with various connector types and charging levels.
A connector is the plug at the end of the charging cable that fits into the vehicle's charging port. It’s what physically connects the charger to the car so electricity can flow into the battery. Different types of connectors are used depending on the vehicle’s model and speed of charging.
Charging Levels
Generally, you can break down charging into two categories: AC (“alternating current”) and DC (“direct current”) fast charging. From there, AC can be broken into level 1 and level 2 charging.
Level 1 charging is the slowest method of charging, with one hour of charging, you can get approximately 5 miles of range per the AFDC. Charging can be as simple as using a standard 120 V outlet and is a common choice for charging at home and places where people are commonly parked long-term.
Level 2 charging is slightly faster, giving 25 miles of range for 1 hour of charging. This faster charging with 240 V would require its own 40-amp circuit, which can add to installation costs. This is the most common type of public charger in the US and recommended for public lots, municipal parking, and at businesses or areas with other attractions.
DC Fast charging can provide 100-200+ miles of charging in 30 minutes. This is the most expensive to install and operate, including potentially high demand charges through utilities. Most appropriate locations for these chargers would include rest stops and grocery stores, where it is likely drivers will not spend much time.
Connector Types
The SAE J1772 connector is the standard plug type for Level 1 and Level 2 charging for most electric vehicles in North America. It’s used by all non-Tesla vehicles for AC charging (L1 + L2) and is compatible with the majority of both residential and public charging stations.
The Combined Charging System (CCS1) combines the standard J1772 plug with two additional high-speed pins to support DC fast charging. CCS1 is the predominant fast charging standard for most non-Tesla EVs in North America, capable of delivering high power levels for rapid charging.
The J3400 (NACS) is Tesla’s proprietary connector that supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging on Tesla's Supercharger and Destination Charging networks. In 2022, Tesla opened its proprietary connector design to the industry and renamed it the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and is now being adopted by many major automakers such as Ford, GM, Rivian, Hyundai, and several others.
CHAdeMO is an older fast charging standard primarily used by certain automakers such as Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Kia. It supports DC fast charging but is being phased out in North America in favor of CCS.
Charging infrastructure terminology from Alternative Fuels Data Center
What are the Benefits?
Modern electric vehicle (EV) batteries are designed to last for many years, with most manufacturers offering 8-year/100,000-mile warranties and studies suggesting batteries can last 12–15 years in moderate climates. While battery replacement can be expensive outside of warranty, costs are expected to continue declining as battery technology improves and production scales up. Battery lifespan depends on several factors, including climate, driving habits, charging patterns, and battery design.
Although EVs often have a higher upfront purchase price than comparable gasoline vehicles, their lower fuel and maintenance costs can reduce the total cost of ownership over time. Electricity is generally less expensive than gasoline on a per-mile basis, and electric motors are highly efficient, allowing many EVs to travel farther using less energy. Federal, state, and utility incentives may also help offset the initial purchase cost.
Electric vehicles can also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality by eliminating tailpipe emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), particulate matter, and carbon monoxide. While the overall environmental benefits depend on how the electricity used for charging is generated, EVs generally produce lower lifecycle emissions than comparable gasoline vehicles, and those emissions continue to decrease as the electric grid incorporates more renewable energy. In addition to reducing emissions, EVs operate more quietly than conventional vehicles, helping reduce noise pollution in communities.
EVs in Maine
BSOOB Transit
Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach (BSOOB) Transit provides public transportation throughout Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, and surrounding communities, operating seven year-round bus routes and four seasonal trolley routes. In 2025, the agency served more than 285,000 riders, connecting residents and visitors to major employment centers, tourism destinations, and regional transit hubs.
In 2022, BSOOB Transit became one of the first transit agencies in Maine to add battery-electric buses to its fleet, introducing two electric buses funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Low or No Emission Vehicle Program. The Proterra ZX5 buses have an estimated range of 240 miles, and the agency installed two charging stations at its depot to support daily operations.
Today, BSOOB Transit operates a diverse fleet of diesel, hybrid, and battery-electric buses, demonstrating how public transit agencies can begin transitioning to cleaner transportation while continuing to provide reliable service. By expanding the use of low- and zero-emission vehicles, BSOOB Transit is helping reduce transportation emissions and advance sustainable mobility in southern Maine.
Town of Yarmouth
The Town of Yarmouth operates a municipal fleet of approximately 70 vehicles, including three battery-electric vehicles (two Kia Ioniq 5s and one Hyundai Kona) and six hybrid police cruisers. To support fleet operations, the Town maintains one dedicated fleet charging port at the Public Safety Complex and six public networked charging ports at the Town Hall and Public Library.
Yarmouth has paired fleet electrification with investments in public charging infrastructure and community education. The Town's website provides residents with information on electric vehicles, available incentives, charging locations, and alternative transportation options, including transit, biking, walking, and carpooling.
By transitioning to electric and hybrid vehicles, Yarmouth has reduced fuel and maintenance costs while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The Town's EVs have already avoided an estimated 3.3 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating how municipalities can reduce emissions, improve air quality, and lead by example through fleet electrification.
