Electric Vehicle Charging on Nantucket

Current EV Charging Infrastructure

Nantucket has made steady progress in building out its electric vehicle charging network, though it remains modest by mainland standards. The island currently has approximately 11-35 public charging ports (numbers vary by source and counting method) spread across several locations. The vast majority are Level 2 chargers, which provide a practical overnight or multi-hour charging solution rather than the quick top-ups you might find at DC fast chargers on the mainland.

The Town of Nantucket operates the primary public charging network through ChargePoint, with stations strategically placed at municipal parking areas, public facilities, and high-traffic locations. This infrastructure reflects the island's commitment to sustainability while acknowledging the practical limitations of its electrical grid and remote location.

Nantucket holds the distinction of being the first town among 24 municipal recipients of Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources grants, outside of Boston, to get its electric vehicle charging station network installed and operating. The original six stations were installed in May 2012, and the network has expanded since then.

Public Charging Station Locations

The Town of Nantucket operates several ChargePoint stations at public locations across the island. Here are the primary public charging locations:

Charging Costs and Payment

Effective December 1, 2023, the Town of Nantucket implemented a standardized fee structure for public EV charging stations:

• Charging rate: $0.30 per kWh
• Time limit: 3 hours maximum at most locations
• Overstay fee: Additional charges apply after the time limit to ensure availability for all users
• Payment: Managed through the ChargePoint app

Some locations, like The Surf on Surfside Road, include free parking for the first 120 minutes, after which a $5/hour fee applies. Always check the specific station details in the ChargePoint app before plugging in.

About 20% of charging ports on Nantucket offer free charging, typically at private businesses or hotels for their customers. These free options are often limited to guests or patrons of the establishment.

Tesla Supercharger Availability

Here is the reality that Tesla owners need to accept: there is no Tesla Supercharger on Nantucket Island. The nearest Supercharger is located in Hyannis on Cape Cod, where you will board the ferry. The Hyannis Supercharger has 12 stalls with up to 250kW charging capacity and is available 24/7.

For Tesla owners, this means:

• Charge fully before the ferry: Top off at the Hyannis Supercharger before boarding
• Use Level 2 on island: Tesla vehicles can use the ChargePoint Level 2 stations with the appropriate adapter (J1772 to Tesla, included with most Tesla vehicles)
• Plan for slower charging: Level 2 charging adds roughly 20-30 miles of range per hour, so overnight charging is your best bet
• Check hotel options: Some accommodations have Tesla destination chargers

The good news is that with Nantucket being only 48 square miles, you will not be driving extensive distances. A full charge before arriving should easily last your entire trip with thoughtful driving, and Level 2 top-ups can supplement as needed.

Hotel Charging Options

Several Nantucket hotels and resorts have recognized the growing demand for EV charging and installed stations for their guests:

White Elephant Village

The White Elephant Village offers EV charging for hotel guests. This is one of the island's premier properties, and the charging is typically reserved for registered guests only. Contact the hotel in advance to confirm availability and reserve a charging spot if needed.

Other Properties

The availability of hotel charging is growing but still limited. When booking your accommodation, ask specifically about:

• On-site EV charging availability
• Charger type (Level 1, Level 2, or Tesla Destination)
• Whether charging is complimentary or has a fee
• Reservation requirements for the charging spot
• Proximity to public charging stations if on-site charging is not available

As EV adoption increases, more properties are adding charging infrastructure. Check with your hotel directly for the most current information, as this is a rapidly evolving amenity.

Bringing an EV on the Ferry

The Steamship Authority operates car ferry service from Hyannis to Nantucket. Electric vehicles are welcome aboard, and thousands of EVs make the crossing each year. Here is what you need to know:

Booking Your Passage

EV reservations work the same as any other vehicle. Book well in advance for summer travel, as car reservations fill up quickly. There is no special category or restriction for electric vehicles.

Pre-Ferry Charging Strategy

The traditional ferry crossing takes 2 hours and 15 minutes from Hyannis to Nantucket. Use this time wisely:

• Charge at the Hyannis Tesla Supercharger before departure (12 stalls, 250kW)
• Arrive with a full or near-full battery to maximize your on-island range
• Remember you cannot charge during the crossing

Considerations for EVs on the Ferry

• Battery level: Keep your battery above 20% for the crossing in case of delays
• Climate control: Use sentry mode sparingly during the crossing to preserve battery
• Return trip: Plan your on-island charging to ensure adequate range for the return ferry and drive home

Range Planning on Nantucket

The beauty of driving an EV on Nantucket is that range anxiety is essentially a non-issue once you understand the island's compact size:

• Island size: 48 square miles (14 miles long, 3.5 miles wide)
• Maximum driving distance: Town to Sconset is about 8 miles
• Town to Madaket: Approximately 6 miles
• Daily driving estimate: Most visitors drive 20-40 miles per day maximum

Even the most range-limited EV on the market today can handle a full week of Nantucket driving on a single charge. A Tesla Model 3 with 270+ miles of range could theoretically circumnavigate the island multiple times without recharging. The practical concern is not whether you will run out of charge, but ensuring you have enough range for the return ferry trip and drive home.

Range-Saving Tips

• Nantucket's 25-35 mph speed limits are actually ideal for EV efficiency
• Mild summer temperatures mean minimal climate control drain
• Flat terrain (highest point is 109 feet) eliminates elevation-based range loss
• Short trips around town barely register on your battery gauge

Essential Charging Apps

Download these apps before your trip to make charging seamless:

• ChargePoint: Essential for the Town of Nantucket public stations. Create an account and add payment before arriving
• PlugShare: Crowdsourced database of all charging locations, including user reviews and real-time availability reports
• Tesla app: For Tesla owners, shows destination chargers and allows remote monitoring
• Your vehicle's native app: Most EVs have companion apps that can help locate compatible chargers

Pro tip: Check PlugShare reviews before your trip for the most current information on station reliability and any access quirks at specific locations.

Rental EVs on Nantucket

If you want the EV experience without bringing your own vehicle on the ferry, options exist but remain limited:

Affordable Rentals

Affordable Rentals, located steps from the Steamship Ferry Dock and Hy-Line Ferry Terminal, offers electric vehicle rentals on Nantucket. This local company has been in business since 1983 and provides a convenient option for visitors who want to explore the island in an EV without the ferry logistics of bringing their own vehicle.

Peer-to-Peer Options

Turo, the peer-to-peer car sharing platform, occasionally has EV and hybrid listings available near Nantucket, including Tesla Model 3 options. Availability varies significantly by season, so check well in advance for summer visits.

Why Rent an EV on Nantucket?

• Experience electric driving without ferry logistics
• Zero emissions complement Nantucket's environmental values
• Quiet operation is perfect for peaceful island driving
• Rental company handles charging logistics

Future Charging Plans

Nantucket's EV infrastructure continues to evolve. National Grid has partnered with the community to expand charging options, with plans to install additional Level 2 and DC fast charging (DCFC) stations on the island. The Town of Nantucket Energy Office actively promotes electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure development.

Looking ahead, there are discussions about potentially electrifying the Steamship Authority ferry fleet itself, which would require significant charging infrastructure at both the Hyannis and Nantucket ports. While this is a longer-term vision, it reflects the region's commitment to reducing transportation emissions.

As the island's electrical grid capacity allows and federal funding for EV infrastructure increases, expect to see more charging options emerge in the coming years.