Connecticut DMV: Now Charging EVs While You Wait for Your Number to Be Called!

TL;DR: The Connecticut DMV, bless its bureaucratic heart, has installed 36 new EV charging stations at six of its branches. Now, while you're waiting for what feels like an eternity to renew your license, your electric ride can actually be getting some juice. Talk about turning lemons into kilowatt-hours!

Meta: Connecticut's DMV installs 36 Level 2 EV charging stations across six branches, offering drivers a convenient spot to power up while handling their bureaucratic duties.

Let's be real, nobody wants to go to the DMV. It's usually a soul-crushing experience, filled with long lines, fluorescent lights, and the faint smell of desperation. But in Connecticut, they just threw us EV drivers a bone. The state's Department of Motor Vehicles has rolled out 36 Level 2 charging stations across six locations: Cheshire, Enfield, Hamden, Norwalk, Old Saybrook, and Winsted. Commissioner Tony Guerrera says it best: "This added convenience will help those who are in the area, have an electric vehicle, and need a charge." You hear that? Convenience! At the DMV! I almost fell out of my chair.

A Recharge While You Regroup

These are Flo CoRe+ units, all rocking the standard J1772 connector, delivering power ranging from 1.2 to 7.2 kW. So, it's not DC fast charging that'll get you in and out in a flash, but for a typical DMV visit – which, let's face it, usually lasts longer than a commercial break – it's a perfect way to top up your battery. The cost? $0.32 per kilowatt-hour, as mandated by Connecticut's Public Act 22-118. Now, that price point is getting a little close to DC fast charging territory for Level 2, but hey, it's still better than twiddling your thumbs with a dead battery.

This initiative is actually funded by Connecticut's share of that massive Volkswagen diesel emissions settlement – about $55.7 million. So, in a twisted way, those dirty diesels are helping us power up our clean EVs. Ain't that a kick in the head? It's a prime example of turning dead time into charging time, and that's exactly the kind of practical infrastructure development that makes EV ownership easier for everyday folks.

The Little Things That Make a Difference

While we often focus on the big fast-charging networks, it's these smaller, more ubiquitous Level 2 chargers that really fill the gaps in our daily lives. They're at workplaces, grocery stores, and now, even the DMV. It's about integrating charging seamlessly into our routines, making it less of a chore and more of a passive benefit. And let's be honest, anything that makes a DMV visit slightly less painful is a win in my book. Maybe next they'll have free coffee? A man can dream.

What’s Next

We're likely to see more states and municipalities follow suit, leveraging settlement funds and grants to expand charging access in unexpected but highly useful locations. The more accessible Level 2 charging becomes, the less folks have to stress about their daily range. It's all about making EV adoption a no-brainer. And if it happens at the DMV, well, that's just a bonus.

Alright, I'm out. Gotta go charge my good humor before my next DMV visit, just in case.