HMLP EV Charging Rebates & Incentives
EV Scheduled Charging Rebate
Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant (HMLP) offers two incentive programs for electric vehicle (EV) customers. First, customers may receive a charging equipment rebate of up to $600 (see requirements) for enrolling in the EV Scheduled Charging Program. Then, customers may apply for the Connected Homes Demand Response program to receive a monthly bill credit for agreeing not to charge during peak events. Connected Homes is a program offered to customers of HMLP that leverages the technology of smart appliances and devices into cost savings for the light plant and its customers. The program allows HMLP to better manage its electric load, reduce costs, and keep rates low. HMLP has partnered with NextZero to administer this program.
By enrolling a smart device in the Connected Homes Program, customers agree to allow Connected Homes to make brief, limited adjustments to their devices during times of peak electric demand, such as temporarily turning off an electric vehicle charger during peak hours.
Customers will be informed of possible adjustments in advance via email and will be given the choice to opt out.
Customers who decide to participate in adjustments will be given a bill credit.
Eligible Devices:
| Smart Devices | Qualifying Brands | Monthly Incentive |
| Electric Vehicle | Acura 2024+, Audi 2019+, BMW 2017+, Hyundai 2017+, Jaguar 2019+, Kia 2017-2021, Land Rover 2019-2021, Lexus 2023+, Mini 2020+, Nissan 2023+, Tesla 2012+, Toyota 2021+, Volkswagen 2020+ | $10 |
| Electric Vehicle Charger* | ChargePoint, Emporia | $10 |
Please see the NextZero website to apply for an EV charger rebate or enroll in Connected Homes.
Electric Vehicle Charging Basics
Level 1 Charging
120V AC
EX: Overnight Charging at Home
- Uses a standard outlet (the same type of outlet you charge your phone with!)
- No “charging station” needed! Take a few seconds to plug your car in each night. By the next morning you’re ready to go!
- Adds a range of between 3 and 6 miles per hour of charging, or up to around 50 miles overnight.
Level 2 Charging
208V-240V AC
EX: Home, Workplace, Destination Charging
- Wired to an electrical panel or hard-wired to a wall-mounted EV charging station.
- Most common type of charging (private and public) and adds 20-40 miles of range per hour. Get a full charge overnight!
DC Fast (Level 3) Charging
480V-1000V DC
EX: Highway Rest Stop, Community Hub Charging
- Also known as public DC Fast Charging, Quick charging, and Supercharging.
- Level 3 adds hundreds of miles of range per hour of charging. Charge in around 30 minutes or less.
Public Charging Equipment & Networks
Charging in public can be a positive experience with a little bit of research and preparation in advance. There are many brands and models of public charging units, as well many different charging networks both nationally and regionally. There are basically two types of stations:
Smart charging stations, also known as networked charging stations or connected stations. This typically requires either membership, a card, or an app to access. They may or may not have a fee. The three most common EV charging network providers are Tesla, Chargepoint and EVgo.
Non-networked charging stations do not require any membership to activate and usually are free and just connect when you plug in, or may require an access code.
Finding out in advance (for example by using PlugShare or another online resource or app) can help you explore what public charging is near you and get any advance set up out of the way from the comfort of home.
Charging Equipment
Every EV comes with a charging adapter that connects to a standard home outlet (also known as Level 1 charging). This is typically used overnight while you sleep and adds up to 50 miles of range in 12 hours, more than most people drive on a typical day. For some drivers, this may be adequate, especially if the vehicle is not driven much daily or is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Though not required, in order to get the most out of any plug-in car’s electric mileage benefits, it is typically recommended to purchase a Level 2 home charging station. This will recharge your EV five to ten times faster than Level 1, and allow even ones with large batteries to always fully charge overnight.
The best time to get a Level 2 is just before taking delivery of your vehicle, so the equipment can be installed and ready for charging the moment you receive your electric car. Massachusetts requires all chargers to be ENERGY STAR Certified Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). To find and compare products, visit the ENERGY STAR website.
Home Charging Equipment Installation
Things to consider when choosing and installing your home EV charging station
Home charging installation can be simple or reasonably complex. The cost can range from only a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the location of the house electrical panel and the proximity to the charging station or outlet. Be sure to hire a licensed and experienced electrician to upgrade your home electrical system. They will need to wire a 240-volt circuit, including a 50 or 60-amp circuit breaker, from your panel to a NEMA 14-50 outlet or a hard-wired wall-mounted charging station. Massachusetts also requires that you get an electrical permit. So, be sure to contact the town’s building division, and file the proper form, etc.
It is recommended to use all copper wiring and hardwire a wall-mounted EV charging station for a reliable connection. By electrical code, 240-volt circuits may need ground fault protected breakers, but most chargers include this, which can cause nuisance tripping and an uncharged EV. Hardwiring with an unprotected breaker can prevent this. Inform your electrician and share the equipment manual to confirm no additional ground fault protection is needed.
Typical Level 2 mobile charge cords that come with an EV at purchase are fine to plug in to a GFCI protected 240-volt outlet. If you choose this plug in method, be sure to install an upgraded commercial level outlet to safely carry a continuous 240-volts of power for 6-8 hours.
When choosing a location, select a spot that is convenient for charging your EV. You should also consider the appropriate length of charging cord necessary to easily reach your parking spot. Charging units will vary in their cord length and can be selected to suit your needs.
When searching for reputable home EV charging equipment, try these links for extensive reviews and comparisons. You don’t necessarily need to buy anything through their website as you may find these units at a lower price on Amazon or direct from the manufacturer:
Quick EV Charger Comparison Guide
These Are The Best EV Chargers Of 2024 – YouTube
If you don’t already have a trusted local electrician, there are several turnkey services that will do a great job, but they tend to be more expensive. An electrician hired directly will probably be less costly, but don’t let price be the only consideration. A proper electrical code rated system is the most important factor for safe home charging.
Here are some links to EV charging installation companies: Qmerit | Smart Charge America | Boston EVC
Interested in having a charger installed at your multi-unit or condo?
Read ENE’s Massachusetts Multifamily EV Charging Guide: Your Right to Charge
Contact us to get free information and support on the purchase and installation process.
Commercial Charging
Planning a Project?
Energy New England can provide assistance with resourses, recommendations for specific projects & rebate information
Contact an EV Specialist:
Email ev@ene.org
or
J1772
J1772 is used for Level 1 (120-Volt) and Level 2 (240-Volt) charging. All electric vehicles support J1772 connectors except Tesla. Tesla vehicles can support J1772 connectors with an adapter which is often provided by the manufacturer.
CCS-1
CCS-1 is used for DC Fast charging. All electric vehicles support CCS-1 connectors except Tesla and a few Nissan and Mitsubishi electric vehicles.
CHAdeMO
CHAdeMO is used for DC Fast charging. This type of connector is rare in America. A few manufacturers such as Nissan and Mitsubishi EV’s use CHAdeMO.
NACS
NACS is used for Tesla’s Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging. Most of the NACS DC fast charging units are manufactured by Tesla (also known as Tesla Superchargers stations). All modern Tesla vehicles support NACS connectors. Many other major EV manufacturers (Ford, Rivian, GM, Mercedes, Nissan, Hyundai, Polestar, etc.) are adopting the NACS connector starting in 2025 – making charging simpler.