Maui Electric to Lower Electric Vehicle Charging Rates

The Maui Electric Company is taking over four electric vehicle charging stations throughout Maui. 

The fast-charging stations, which were previously owned by the Maui Economic Development Board, are located at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, Pi‘ilani Village Shopping Center, Lahaina Aquatic Center, and Pukalani Terrace. 

Under its new ownership, Maui Electric plans to offer lower charging rates to incentivize drivers to charge during daylight hours, when solar energy is abundant. 

The proposal is awaiting approval from the Public Utilities Commission and site landowners. 

The proposed charging rates are 28 cents per kilowatt-hour between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 40 cents per kWh between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., and 38 cents per kWh between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. 

Maui Electric said it will also install new equipment at the four sites to allow more EV types to charge. 

In addition, EV drivers will soon have more paying options, including smartphone apps and credit cards.  

“As we work to add more clean energy to power our islands, EVs can play an important role in further reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and protecting our environment,” Maui Electric president Sharon Suzuki said in a press release. 

In October, Maui Electric will propose a plan for expanding EV charging infrastructure for Maui County, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island.