Greenbelt to replace nonworking Level 3 EV charger with two Level 2 stations; billing model will change

Greenbelt city staff told the council they will remove a malfunctioning Level 3 electric vehicle (EV) charger at the municipal building and install two dual‑port Level 2 chargers, and that the city will move to a per‑kilowatt usage billing model for municipal EV charging.

The Level 3 charger had been out of service since July and is scheduled for removal by the end of the month. Staff said they will install two dual‑port Level 2 stations within three to four weeks after removal. The change is possible because bond funds previously approved by the city for EV charging station improvements are available.

City Manager said staff plan to bring ordinance language to council at the next meeting to authorize the program and charging rates. "So I'll plan to bring legislation to council at the next meeting that would authorize the program and the charging rates," the City Manager said during Administrative Reports.

Why it matters: Level 2 chargers deliver slower charging speeds than Level 3 fast chargers but typically serve more users simultaneously because each dual‑port station supports two vehicles. Staff said the change aims to serve a greater number of drivers equitably.

Operational details: Staff will switch from a time‑based charging price to a per‑kilowatt billing model and is coordinating installation with an existing partner (EVI). Staff also noted state enforcement statutes may apply for BEV charging stations and that planned city recodification work will capture any needed local code updates.

What was not decided: Council did not adopt final rates or an implementation ordinance; staff will return with proposed ordinance language and rates at a future meeting.

Next steps: Remove the malfunctioning Level 3 charger at month end, install two Level 2 dual‑port chargers in 3–4 weeks, finalize proposed rates and present ordinance to council for approval.