SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – South Portland is proud to announce the launch of four new Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Legion Square Park (5 Cottage Road). Starting now, these convenient, pay-for-use chargers will be open to the public, making it easier to charge your EV while visiting the vibrant Knightville neighborhood. 

WHEN: February 11, 2026

WHERE: Legion Square Park, 5 Cottage Road, South Portland

WHO: All members of the public

WHY: These new chargers mark an important step toward the City’s climate goals, including those outlined in the One Climate Future climate action plan, which prioritizes greater access to EV infrastructure.

In 2024, the City of South Portland partnered with Energy Management Consultants, Inc. to win a $40,000 grant through Efficiency Maine Trust’s EV charging initiative. This enabled the City to install four Level 2 EV charging ports in Legion Square Park, located next to the post office. The grant covered two thirds of the project cost, while the City paid for the remaining third with capital funds.

“We’re thrilled to bring more EV charging to South Portland’s downtown,” said Julie Rosenbach, the City’s Sustainability Director. “By making charging visible and convenient, we’re supporting cleaner transportation and helping our community make the shift to electric.”

Each charging port will deliver up to 11.2kW, offering drivers up to 30 miles of range per hour of charging. With four ports available, four vehicles will be able to charge at the same time. Users can access the chargers using the SWTCH app at a rate of $0.34 per kWh, plus standard credit card convenience fees. 

The City of South Portland is transitioning to a pay-for-use model for public EV charging. EV chargers located at City buildings are now for municipal fleet use only, with the exception of the public pay-for-use chargers at the Community Center. The goal is to promote an equitable and financially responsible expansion of South Portland’s EV charging infrastructure.

This project is part of Efficiency Maine’s broader statewide effort to expand public EV charging infrastructure. It is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program, which aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across the country. Between July and December 2024, Efficiency Maine awarded grants for 34 projects that will install 255 Level 2 charging ports throughout Maine.

For more information about South Portland’s climate action efforts, visit the Sustainability Office webpage.