Connecticut puts EV chargers at the DMV – finally, a perk

Going to the DMV is never fun, but in Connecticut, at least your EV can now get a charge while you wait.

Connecticut’s DMV has installed 36 EV charging stations at branches in Cheshire, Enfield, Hamden, Norwalk, Old Saybrook, and Winsted, giving drivers another place to plug in while they wait for their number to be called to renew their driver’s license, registration, or whatever else titillating admin they need to complete.

All of the Level 2 chargers are Flo CoRe+ units with J1772 connectors. Charging power ranges from 1.2 to 7.2 kW, and drivers pay $0.32 per kilowatt-hour, as required under Connecticut’s Public Act 22-118.

“We are thrilled to have these charging stations at several of our branch locations,” DMV commissioner Tony Guerrera said. “This added convenience will help those who are in the area, have an electric vehicle, and need a charge.”

Here are the specific locations of the DMVs where chargers are:

Cheshire: 1625 Highland Avenue, Enfield: 4 Pearson Way, Hamden: 1985 State Street, Norwalk: 540 Main Avenue, Old Saybrook: 7 Custom Drive, Winsted: 151 Torrington Road

Connecticut’s DMV EV charger rollout is being funded through the state’s share of the Volkswagen diesel emissions settlement, which brought about $55.7 million to the state. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is running the program.

Electrek’s Take

DMV visits are notorious for always taking longer than hoped. Adding public Level 2 chargers at branch offices is a practical move that turns dead time into charging time – exactly the kind of everyday EV infrastructure that actually helps drivers.

But Public Act or no Public Act, $0.32 per kilowatt-hour is kinda pricey for Level 2 charging. That’s edging up into DC fast charging cost territory. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Read more: Pennsylvania Turnpike opens its first federally funded EV chargers

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