Vehicle-for-Hire EV Charging Solutions

Line of cars at EV chargers in parking lot

The Challenge: Increase Charging Access for Vehicle-For-Hire Drivers

The limited access to fast, reliable, public EV changing is a barrier to the electrification of the Vehicle-for-Hire (VFH) sector in Massachusetts. VFH drivers, including both transportation network company drivers and taxi drivers are likely to be low- or moderate-income (LMI) and to drive more miles than the average driver. Increasing the availability of publicly accessible charging for VFH drivers can therefore address two Commonwealth priorities at once: electrification of high-mileage vehicles and equitable access to charging for LMI drivers.

About Vehicle-for-Hire EV Charging Solutions

To support the electrification of the VFH sector, the Vehicle-for-Hire EV Charging Solutions program will provide municipalities and other site owners with technical and financial assistance for the deployment of EV chargers, using primarily direct current fast chargers (DCFCs) and Level 2 chargers. MassCEC’s consultant team -- led by CALSTART and supported by the Center for Sustainable Energy, Green Energy Consumers Alliance, and Better Together Brain Trust -- will provide site hosts with assistance to carry out targeted charging station deployment projects at up to 15 sites. Site hosts can be municipalities, private businesses, and/or third-party electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) providers. Sites in areas with high percentages of Low-Income and Disadvantaged Communities (LIDACs) will be prioritized for selection.

The Consultant team also will be developing a Charging Station Siting Strategy to provide future site hosts with the technical information needed to independently assess the viability of future charging station installations for VFH drivers.

Learn more about our other electric vehicle charging infrastructure programs.

Participant Benefits

Selected site hosts will receive multiple services as part of the program:

On-Site Assessments: The consultant team will provide on-site assessments for up to 15 sites. At a minimum, the assessment will identify the type of electrical service and available electrical capacity at the site, recommended location of EVSE and distance from the service panel, recommended EVSE model (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3), and limitations of the site.
Construction Plan: The consultant team will develop a construction plan for up to 15 sites which will include an identification of permitting requirements and necessary approvals, estimated costs and funding sources; and estimated procurement, commissioning, and installation timeline.
EVSE Procurement, Commissioning, and Installation: The consultant team will assist each selected site host with procurement of EVSE technology and installation vendors. The consultant team will provide commissioning and installation support from the procurement phase through the first six months of project operations. EVSE commissioning and installation assistance may include assisting with construction management and monitoring and troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise, as needed.
Maintenance and Operations Plan: The consultant team will develop a maintenance and operations plan for each site to assist with ongoing O&M after the end of the EVSE warranty. The plans will include resources such as vendor contacts, technical support options, step-by-step procedures for addressing common operational issues, proactive maintenance schedules, troubleshooting guidelines, and escalation pathways.

How to Participate

Please check this page in early February 2025 for more details on eligibility and how to apply.

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