Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
EV Chargers FAQ
The Town of Eastham has provided 4 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Library for public use. Click here to view a how-to manual for our chargers.
How do the chargers work?
When ready to charge your vehicle either at the Eastham Library or Eastham Town Hall always follow your electric car manufacturer manual. All electric cars are on the same principle but there might be slight variations.
Before plugging your vehicle for charging make sure you have your payment info ready. Scan the QR code on the charger and follow the instructions you have been prompted with. (Click here to view a how-to manual for our chargers.) You can use your phone browser to complete the payment or Enel X Way app. After you have entered your payment information you will be ready to plug in your vehicle for charging.
Pick up the charger plug and insert it in your vehicle charging port. Look for any lights or sounds that your car would normally make when the charging process had started.
How do I know if my vehicle is charging?
All electric vehicles follow the same principle, but they do have variations. Always check with your car manufacturer’s manual to make sure you are charging your car properly and to know what to look for. Usually there will be a light indicator or a beeping sound to let you know the vehicle is charging.
What do I do if the charger is not working?
If a charger is malfunctioning, please proceed to the next available. They are monitored regularly, and somebody is already working on fixing any ongoing issues.
Would my car stop charging automatically once the battery is charged?
Once the battery is fully charged, the charger will stop sending power to the battery, and the EV’s charging port will lock in place to prevent the cable from being disconnected. This is a safety feature that ensures that the battery is not overcharged, which can damage the battery and reduce its overall lifespan.
What are the fees for charging an electric vehicle?
The fees for charging an electric vehicle at the Eastham Town Hall or Library are $1.00 per session with an additional $0.50 per kwh.
When were the fees implemented?
On June 17th, 2024, the Eastham Select Board voted to accept the proposed fees for Eastham EV charging stations. The fees were implemented on July 1st, 2024.
Why are fees charged for the use of the EV chargers?
Charging stations have a useful life of approximately 7-10 years, although certain components (primarily cables) will need to be replaced more frequently. In addition, effective July 1, the Town’s very favorable electricity supply contract will expire and there will be an approximately 35% increase in the cost of electricity to the Town. The cost of electricity supplied to the public was approximately $4,900 and $5,100 for FY 2023 and 2024, respectively at the library site and approximately $2,400 and $2,600 at the Town Hall site. Based upon this usage and anticipated electricity costs, it is proposed the Town adopt a structured fee system to ensure the sustainability and fairness of our charging infrastructure.
A rate of $0.50/kwh is sufficient to cover our electricity costs for the EV charging stations and limited maintenance. In addition to the consumption rate, I am suggesting a flat processing rate of $1.00 per charging session. This charge covers the cost of any processing fees associated with the Stripe payment processing utilized by our charging station provider.
As EV infrastructure expands, and our program develops, full cost recovery may be appropriate depending upon the continued availability of grants and incentive programs that may be available to us. For reference the summary analysis would indicate a fee slightly more than $1.00/kwh intending full cost recovery.
Are there fees associated with using the chargers when the vehicle has stopped charging?
There aren’t any idling fees associated with the use of the Town chargers.