We’re here to help you figure out how easy it is to charge your BEV or PHEV, or refuel your FCEV, and where to go.
Zero-Emissions Vehicles
80% of EV charging is done at home. But where else can you charge up while you're at work or out and about?
To meet your "on-the-go" charging needs, there are over 300 EV charging stations available for public use across Connecticut. Some EVs may have a station locator built into their dashboard system, so check the owner's manual for your EV to see if it does. Otherwise, there are great apps available for download to your portable device to help you find public charging stations nearby or along your driving routes. For some of the more popular apps that we have come across, check out our Apps, Tools and Widgets page.
Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is a term for EV charging solutions that are installed to safely deliver and manage electrical energy between a BEV or PHEV and an electrical source. EVSE solutions are classified according to the rate or speed at which they can recharge EV batteries.
Charging levels
Level 1 charging is the lowest voltage and slowest form of EV charging, typically used at home. It involves the connection of a corded plug from the EV toa standard household outlet using 120 volts of power. It delivers about 5 miles of range per hour.
Level 2 charging is more typically found at workplaces or at public charging locations, or in homes where EV users have opted for quicker recharging times. Level 2 charging requires the installation of charging equipment using 240 volts of power. It can deliver 12 to 25 miles of range per hour, depending on your EV's type and charging capability.
Level 3 charging or DC fast charging (DCFC) is typically onlyused in commercial applications. Such chargers are found at dedicated EV charging stations and are generally installed along or near transportation corridors. DCFC is currently the quickest charging solution for EVs, charging some EVs to 80% in 20 to 30 minutes. It can deliver a charge of 100 or more miles of range per hour.
NOTE: All EVs can charge on Level 1 or Level 2 chargers. However, some EVs might not be able to use DCFC, so it is important to check your EV's capabilities.
The plug-in connector or connectors available at charging stations may differ. It's a good idea to check beforehand what connectors are available at a given charging station, and whether your EV is compatible to those connectors. The most common connector is the Level 2 J1772 EV plug. All EVs can use this connector standard in the U.S. and Canada. ChargeHub provides a useful list of available connectors:
ChargeHub's "Which Connectors Are Available for Public Charging?"
Networked charging stations are also known as smart charging stations or connected stations. Networked charging stations require a membership to activate. Via a mobile app or the network/operator's website, networked charging stations enable members to see a given station's real-time status.
Plugincars.com has put together the following basic guide on EV charging networks:
Plugincars.com's The Ultimate Guide to Electric Car Charging Networks
Non-networked charging stations can be used without a membership.
Wondering what the etiquette is for charging your EV at the workplace and other publicly-shared EV charging stations where resources are limited? Whenever possible, check with the host of the charging station for any rules, guidelines, and/or restrictions in place for the public use of its chargers and parking spaces.
ChargePoint and EVgo also offer useful tips for EV charging etiquette:
Currently, SunHydro, located at Proton OnSite's headquarters, 10 Technology Drive, Wallingford, is the sole hydrogen refueling station publicly accessible to FCEV drivers in Connecticut.
Connecticut is currently evaluating opportunities to continue support of FCEVs and the in-state expansion of the hydrogen refueling station infrastructure network.
Maps are available that identify the existing and planned hydrogen refueling stations in Connecticut and the northeast U.S.