Why is BGE offering this program?
In 2013, along with nine other states, Maryland signed a memorandum of understanding on state Zero-Emission Vehicle programs. The EVsmart Program fits into this directive and will propel progress on Maryland's Air Quality and Chesapeake Bay goals. These include having 300,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025. Studies show that to meet this goal, approximately 125,000 electric vehicles (EVs) would need to be added to BGE's service territory and about 27,000 public chargers would be needed. By offering the EVsmart program, BGE hopes to encourage more customers to adopt the EV lifestyle over the five years of the EVsmart program.
BGE will seek recovery of the costs of the EVsmart Program from customers through electric service rates in a future regulatory rate review with the Maryland Public Service Commission.
Should I let BGE know that I purchased or leased an EV?
Yes. Registering your vehicle with BGE will help us assess your electricity needs and ensure the continued reliability of electric service in your community as energy demands grow. Customers can self-report their EV ownership to BGE.
How do I qualify for the EVsmart Home Charging incentive?
You must be an active BGE residential customer with a secure home Wi-Fi to operate your charger. Additionally, BGE must be able to access customer EV charging data. Limit one rebate per household.
How do I apply for the Home Charging incentive?
You can apply for the EVsmart Home Charging incentive by reviewing the eligibility requirements and completing the application. Apply for the rebate here.
Which Level 2 chargers are approved through the EVsmart Home Charging incentive?
You can find a table of approved chargers on the Home Charging Incentive page.
How do I purchase a Level 2 charger approved for the EVsmart Home Charging incentive?
You can purchase an approved Level 2 charger directly from a manufacturer or through an online retailer.
What are the benefits of a Level 2 charger?
With a Level 2 charger, you can charge your EV up to 6 times faster than with a standard Level 1 charger using a wall outlet, adding up to 25 miles of range per hour of charging. You can also set charging reminders, schedule charging and track energy usage right from your charger app. In addition, select Level 2 charger models allow you to manage home charging with just the sound of your voice using Amazon Alexa.
How much does the average charger and installation cost?
The average Level 2 charger costs $500–$600. Installation costs can vary from $200 to $1,000, depending on your electrician and the extent of the work required.
Who will install my charger?
A qualified independent electrician can install your Level 2 charger for you.
I am ready to have an EV charger installed. What questions should I ask an electrician?
Are you licensed and insured? It is important to make sure the electrician is licensed in the state of Maryland and carry insurance in case of any incidents. The Maryland Department of Labor offers information regarding Maryland consumer advice for selecting a licensed contractor.
Have you installed EV charging stations in the past? Most electricians will be able to perform an installation, but it may be reassuring to know they have experience with EV charging equipment. Some professional services search engines such as Angie’s List and Home Advisor now have search forms specific to EV charging installation services to help you narrow down your options.
A recommended practice is to obtain more than one estimate to ensure you’re getting accurate information and pricing.
I’ve installed my EV charger, but the Wi-Fi is not connecting. What now?
The charger location needs to have access to your home’s Wi-Fi signal. In some cases, you may require a Wi-Fi range extender to increase the range of your Wi-Fi signal to reach your garage or other location of your charging station.
What is the difference between a hardwired charger and one that plugs in?
Your electrician may ask if you would like to install a charger that is hardwired or plugged in. A plug-in charger will require the installation of a high-powered outlet, like the outlet your dryer uses. A plug-in charger may offer greater flexibility for future needs. Alternatively, you can choose to hardwire your charger directly to your home, which is typically a more permanent option.
Will I need a permit for my EV charger installation?
You may. Talk with your electrician about the permit requirements for your project. This could increase the project cost, but it is a requirement for your EV charger installation dependent on the scope and location of your residence. Here are some guidelines and resources by BGE service territory that may help:
Anne Arundel County
Electrical permits are required for all electrical work incidental to the construction of a single-family dwelling or other structure. An electrical permit must be applied for and issued to the Anne Arundel County licensed Master Electrician who will be responsible for the installation of all electrical service.
Heritage Office Complex2664 Riva Road, Annapolis Phone: (410) 222-7700
https://www.aacounty.org/departments/inspections-and-permits/permit-center/IP_Permits/electrical-permit
Anne Arundel County Electrical Permit Application
Baltimore City
A permit is required to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical system.
Baltimore City DHCD One-Stop Shop417 E. Fayette Street, Room 100, BaltimorePhone: (443) 984-1809
https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/pi/permits
Baltimore City e-Permits SystemBaltimore City Electrical Permit Guidelines
Baltimore County
Residents must hire a licensed master electrician to do any kind of electrical work in Baltimore County. A permit is required for all types of wiring and equipment installations, including connecting replacement equipment to existing wiring. A permit is not required for general maintenance such as replacing lamps and ballast or for making minor repairs such as replacing defective switches and receptacles.
County Office Building111 West Chesapeake Avenue, Room 100, Towson
https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/permits/permitprocessing.html
Baltimore County Electrical Building Permit
Calvert County
A permit is required for EV charger installation efforts in Calvert County.
County Services Plaza150 Main Street, Suite 201, Prince FrederickPh: (410) 535-1600, ext. 2552
http://www.co.cal.md.us/837/Electricalhttp://www.co.cal.md.us/497/Inspections-and-Permits
Calvert County Electrical Permit Application
Carroll County
All electrical work requires a permit except for the replacement of existing fixtures (fans, switches, receptacles and lighting), the installation of a single circuit (maximum 125 volt, 20 amp) that contains a single device and low voltage wiring of 50 volts or less.
Carroll County Permits & Inspections 225 North Center Street, Room 118, WestminsterPhone: (410) 386-2674 or (888) 302-8978
Carroll County Electrical Permit Application
Harford County
Electrical permits are required for any electrical work performed in any residential housing, additions, club basements, garages and out buildings.
Harford County Administrative Office Building, Permit Center220 South Main Street, 1st Floor, Bel AirPhone: (410) 638-3122
http://harfordcountymd.gov/331/Electrical-Serviceshttp://www.harfordcountymd.gov/293/Building-Services
Harford County Permit Application
Howard County
A Residential Electrical Addition Alteration Permit is required for EV charger installation efforts in Howard County.
George Howard Building3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott CityPhone: (410) 313-2455, Opt #4
Howard County Online Permitting SystemHoward County Electrical Permit Application
I have a ChargePoint charging station. How do I activate and connect it to the BGE network?
After you install your charging station, activate the ChargePoint Home station then connect to the EVsmart Program network using this link or manually enter the code BGEEVsmart into the Connections feature on the ChargePoint mobile app.
When will I receive my annual incentive?
Eligible customers will receive their annual gift card each December through 2023.
How quickly can a Level 2 charger charge my EV?
This depends on the size of your EV's battery and how depleted the battery is. An average EV can get a full charge in 4 to 6 hours using a Level 2 charger.
I have a JuiceBox charging station. How do I activate and connect it to the BGE network?
After you install your charging station, visit BGE.com to enroll and follow the provided link to connect you charger through JuiceBox.
How do I qualify for the EVsmart multifamily property rebate?
You must be a Maryland Small Business or Local Nonprofit based or formed in Maryland, be an active BGE electric customer on Rate Schedule G or GS and have five or more electric vehicles registered within Maryland.
How do I apply for the rebate?
You can apply for the EVsmart multifamily property rebate by reviewing the eligibility requirements and completing the application. Rebate applications must be submitted within 30 days of successful installation. Apply for the rebate here. You may also email the PDF rebate application to EVsmart@bge.com.
What are the rebate amounts for this program?
BGE will rebate 50% of the cost of eligible Level 2 smart charging equipment, warranty and installation up to $5,000 per port. BGE will also rebate 50% of the costs of eligible DC fast charger (DCFC) equipment, warranty and installation up to $15,000. There is a maximum of $30,000 in rebates per site.
How do I purchase and install EV chargers approved for the EVsmart multifamily property rebate?
Please contact the network providers using the contact information provided above and request additional information about their products and services.
What other incentives are available?
BGE customers could see additional savings on your home charger and installation through rebates and incentives offered by the U.S. Department of Energy and Maryland Energy Administration. For more information, visit the DOE website or MEA website.
What are the benefits of multifamily property chargers?
The number of EV owners is growing, and more existing and prospective tenants are expected to start requesting EV charging as an amenity. BGE's rebates help offset the cost of this investment to provide charging benefits to multifamily residents. Home charging currently makes up 75% of all EV charging, so multifamily property managers and owners are influential in increasing EV adoption.
You can find a table of approved chargers on the Commercial Customer Charger Rebate page.
How do I qualify for the EVsmart Workplace/Fleet Rebate?
What are the benefits of the Workplace/Fleet chargers?
As EVs grow in popularity your company may be interested in electrifying or providing vehicle charging as an amenity for employees. BGE's workplace and fleet rebates help offset the cost of these investments. If you have a fleet of 5 or more electric vehicles you may also be eligible for a discounted charging rate on BGE’s public charging network. Please visit the application page if you believe you are eligible for a discounted charging rate for a company fleet.
What network of chargers are used for the BGE public charging infrastructure?
BGE is working with Shell Recharge Solutions to provide a reliable charging network to our customers
How much does it cost to use a BGE EVsmart public charger?
How do I use a BGE public charger?
To initiate a charging session on BGE’s EVsmart chargers, scan the QR code on the chargers using the Shell Recharge Solutions mobile app on iPhone or Android. Customers can also use Shell Recharge Solutions RFID cards to initiate charge sessions or pay via credit card by calling 855-900-PLUG (7584).
What do I do if a BGE public charger is not working?
If the BGE public charger is not working, please call Shell Recharge Solutions at 855-900-PLUG (7584)
Does BGE offer any discounts for charging on the BGE charging network?
Yes. BGE customers with five or more electric vehicles registered in Maryland can qualify for a discounted fleet rate of $0.255/kWh, 25% off BGE’s current DC Fast Charger rate of $0.34/kWh.
What is the Vehicle Charging Time of Use Rate?
The Vehicle Charging Time of Use Rate is for BGE residential customers who own electric vehicles and have a charging station in their home. Customers can place their electric vehicle charger on a time-of-use rate while the rest of their house remains on a standard electric rate.
What is the benefit of being on the Vehicle Charging Time of Use Rate?
The benefit to EV owners on the Vehicle Charging Time of Use Rate would be significantly lower electric costs for charging their vehicles during off-peak hours (nights and weekends).
How do I qualify for the Vehicle Charging Time of Use Rate?
To qualify for the Vehicle Charging Time of Use rate you must be a residential customer on Standard R Rate and has a BGE My Account. In addition, you must not be enrolled with an alternative Electric Supplier, not be enrolled in any other existing EV special rate programs, not be enrolled in Net Metering, not be enrolled in Prepaid or Budget Billing, ot have multiple premises linked to one account, or have a billing type as EDI, Visit the Vehicle Charging TOU Rate page to find out more about the eligibility requirements.
How much money will I save being on the Vehicle Charging Time of Use Rate?
If you drive 15,000 miles per year, you could save approximately $120 per year by charging your electric vehicle during off-peak hours on the Vehicle Charging Time of Use Rate instead of the Standard Schedule R rate. You can calculate a more personal estimate using our Time of Use Calculator or by using the My Rates Comparison tool.
How do I apply for the Vehicle Charging Time of Use Rate?
You can apply for the Vehicle Charging Time of Use Rate by navigating to the EVsmart Vehicle Charging Time of Use Rate page and signing in to check eligibility. If you are eligible, you will be prompted to review and accept the Terms and Conditions of the program. If you choose to accept and enroll you will be provided links to connect your charger or vehicle to the program. Once you've connected your vehicle or charger you will receive an email confirming your enrollment.
My application status is stuck in pending, what can I do to resolve this?
If you are stuck in a pending status, it could be because you have not completed both enrollment steps. Navigate to the EVsmart Vehicle Charging Time of Use Rate page on BGE.com. Sign in using the "Check Eligibility" button. Follow one of the provided links to an external site where you can connect your vehicle (evPulse) OR charger to the program. If you've enrolled via BGE.com and followed the external link to connect your charger or vehicle and are still stuck in pending, please contact us at EVsmart@bge.com
Can I be enrolled in the Home Charging Incentive and the Vehicle Charging Time of Use Rate?
Yes, you can be enrolled in both the Home Charging Incentive and the Vehicle Charging Time of Use rate with an eligible charger or vehicle.
Can I be on Budget Billing and the Vehicle Charging Time of Use rate?
No. You cannot be on both Budget Billing and the Vehicle Charging Time of Use rate at the same time. If you decide to enroll in Budget Billing, you will be removed from the Vehicle Charging Time of Use rate, and your electric vehicle charging will be placed back on the standard electric rate.
