Electric Vehicles

Missoula's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan supports implementing EV infrastructure that meets the needs and desires of the community, while advancing key priorities like sustainable transportation and enhanced community equity. After an extensive public consultation process, including guidance and input from an EV advisory group, the Plan was adopted in August 2025 by the Missoula City council and the MPO.  The Plan includes 37 strategies - in the focus areas of Community Infrastructure, Leading by Example, and Education and Engagement - for implementation from now through 2030.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are EVs with no gas engine. Instead of an internal combustion engine, these vehicles have an electric motor. A rechargeable battery pack is used to power this electric motor, and it is recharged by plugging into a wall outlet or using charging equipment, also called electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). These vehicles have a charge port, but no fuel tank.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are reminiscent of traditional hybrid vehicles, but a main distinction is that these vehicles can travel for a limited range on just the electric motor, not consuming any gasoline. These vehicles have rechargeable battery packs, a charging port, and an electric motor, in addition to a fuel tank and an internal combustion engine (ICE). These vehicles typically run on electric power until the battery is nearly depleted, and then the car automatically switches to using the ICE. Since PHEVs vehicles contain the systems needed for both an ICE and electric vehicle, the all-electric-powered range is typically shorter than the range of BEVs because they have smaller battery packs due to the limited space.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are powered by an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors that use energy stored in a battery. The vehicle is fueled with gasoline to operate the internal combustion engine, and the battery is charged through regenerative braking, not by plugging in.

Level 1 (L1) chargers require 1.0-1.2 kW (AC). These chargers use a standard 120v outlet, like you’d use to power a toaster oven. These provide about 3-5 miles of range per hour of charging. This level of chargers is the most affordable option. L1 charging is common at home, or where charging cost is a significant constraint.

Level 2 (L2) chargers require 3.6-19.2 kW (AC). L2 chargers use a 208/240v outlet, like what is used to power a clothes dryer. These can provide 10-20 miles of range per hour of charging. L2 charging is common at home, at workplaces, and in public charging applications.

Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) require between 20-350 kW of DC service, which pull an amount of power similar to 5-10 central air conditioners. They can typically provide 180-240 miles of range within an hour of charging. These chargers can be very cost prohibitive, as they require specialized equipment and extensive electrical infrastructure. Due to its high cost, DCFCs are typically only installed for public charging applications, often near corridors where quick charging time is critical.

What “level” of charging is best? While there isn’t a best level of charging, different levels are better for different uses. L1 chargers can support use cases where patrons will park for long periods of time, and where there is limited charging demand (e.g., residences with low daily vehicle miles traveled). L2 chargers are great options for most developments because they are more convenient than L1, but more affordable than DCFC. This combination of power and price make them ideal for public sites, multifamily developments, homes, and fleets. DCFCs are typically deployed along highway corridors or other high-traffic areas because of their fast charging and high costs. DCFCs also may not support plug-in hybrids.

Charging at home is often the easiest and least expensive option. If you have access to off-street parking, such as a driveway or a garage, charging at home should be straightforward and simple. You can charge slowly (Level 1) using a standard, 120v, wall outlet at home. This is a good option if you’ll be charging overnight. You can also install a Level 2 charger in your home, which will require a 208/240v outlet (like what an electric dryer uses). A Level 2 charger will charge your car quicker but may require an electrical upgrade and associated permit(s). If you’re charging your vehicle outside (in a driveway, for example) make sure the plug/charger and receptacle are all rated for outdoor use.

If you do not have access to off-street parking, the City is working to design a cord cover permit, which would allow permits to be granted for Level 1 (110-120v) charging across the sidewalk / right-of-way.

If you live in an apartment, condo, or other multi-dwelling unit, EV charging can be added to existing parking at multi-dwelling units through coordination with building managers, owners, and/or homeowners associations. If at-home charging is a challenge, workplace or public charging may also be a good solution.

There are several public charging opportunities in Missoula in a wide variety of locations. There are multiple different maps you can use to find available public charging stations where you can also sort by filters like charging speed, connector type, and others. To find maps of available EV charging stations, consider exploring the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Alternative Fuels Data Center and PlugShare websites.

Some all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles qualify for a federal tax credit. Tax credits up to $7,500 are available for eligible new electric vehicles and up to $4,000 for eligible used electric vehicles. Vehicles must be acquired before September 30, 2025, to receive the credit. Tax credits are available for home chargers as well, up to $1,000. Property must be placed in service before June 30, 2026, to receive the credit. For more information on federal tax credits, you can visit the Department of Energy’s EV website, or the IRS Clean Vehicle Tax Credit page. To determine what vehicles are eligible for tax credits, visit this DOE site for new vehicles, and this DOE site for pre-owned vehicles. 

If you’re planning on installing an EV charger, be sure to pull the necessary electrical permits for the work. Electrical permits are required if any electrical fixtures are added. For example, adding an outlet in your garage to charge an EV would require an electrical permit, but plugging into an existing outlet in your garage would not require a permit.

Electrical permits follow the online application permit process, which you can find detailed here, under “Online Application Only Permit Process +.” For electrical permits, the Building Division will conduct the inspection for EV charging installations where electric fixtures are added. You can find more information about electrical permits, and their requirements here. If you need support with the Permits & Licensing Portal, you can contact the Permit & Business Licensing Coordinators at coordinators@ci.missoula.mt.us or (406) 552-6060.

We recommend consulting a qualified electrician to make sure your electrical system can support the added electrical load.

If you are installing a DC Fast Charger, be sure to also reach out to Kory Graham (Kory.Graham@northwestern.com) at NorthWestern Energy about the project. Further, in Montana, the sale of electricity for public EV charging stations with a rated capacity greater than 25 kW is subject to a tax of $0.03/kWh. EV charging stations at private residences or homeowners’ associations are exempt. You can find more information about that tax on the Montana Department of Transportation website. If you’d like to learn more about Montana laws relating to EVs, visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s list of laws and incentives by state.

For more guidance on the EV charging installation process, this Electric Vehicle Permitting Checklist developed by the California Plug-In Electric Vehicle Collaborative may be a helpful resource.

If you’re thinking about including EV Infrastructure in a development, installing EV infrastructure (or at least making it EV-Capable) during new construction saves a lot of money over retrofit options down the road. An Energy Solutions study found that retrofitting installation to support EV charging at an existing building can cost up to 400% more than installing it during new construction. Considering EV infrastructure during new construction also provides the opportunity to locate charging so that it’s ADA-accessible, ensuring that current or future charging can be utilized by all.

To determine which level of charging to provide, it’s important to consider how the parking will be utilized. If the charging infrastructure is for a residential development, Level 1 charging afforded to each parking space may be a good option. If the charging infrastructure is for a mixed-use development where parking turnover may be higher, Level 2 may make more sense. Retrofitting a property for EV infrastructure is still a common undertaking, but costs may be higher due to additional construction; you may need to further consider things like proximity to incoming electricity.

Procurement and Installation for EV Charging Infrastructure can be intimidating to navigate, as a variety of EV charging infrastructure options exist. The location and associated goals influence the process significantly. For a robust roadmap of the process, along with an Infrastructure Development Checklist, consider visiting this webpage from the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center.

EV-Capable parking spaces ensure that you dedicate electrical capacity, and they are an affordable option to future-proof your development. Parking spaces have the electrical panel capacity and conduit installed to support future EV charging with 208/240-volt or 40-ampere circuits. This strategy ensures the reduction of up-front costs for EV charging by providing the electrical elements that are difficult to install during a retrofit. This is a good solution if charging demand is currently low but anticipated to grow in the future. 

EV-Ready parking spaces are a good option for being fully prepared to offer EV charging, without spending additional money on the charger itself. Parking spaces have full circuit installations of 208/240-volt, 40- ampere panel capacity, raceway wiring, and receptacle and circuit overprotection devices. This strategy provides all required electrical hardware for EV charging. It could support installed chargers in the future or immediately support people charging with their own cord. This is a good solution if charging will be free or if charging demand is unclear. 

EV-Installed parking spaces are the costliest, but they’re able to fully support vehicle charging. Parking spaces have EV Supply Equipment (EVSE) that is fully installed from the electrical panel to the parking space. This strategy allows EV drivers to charge without bringing their own cord, making it the most convenient while also allowing for revenue generation and electricity metering. This is a good solution if charging demand is expected. 

When designing and installing EV charging infrastructure, whenever possible EV charging should be designed with accessibility in mind. The U.S. Access Board has compiled design recommendations for accessible EV charging stations to serve as a guide when developing EV charging. If you’re installing EV charging, the Access Board recommends ensuring that at least two of the EV charging spaces are designed with accessible mobility features.

The “Use Last” Approach is an innovative model in which charging spaces are designed with accessibility features but would not require that the charging spaces be reserved exclusively for people with disability placards. People without disability placards could use accessible EV charging spaces when all others are occupied, resulting in greater use of available chargers. This approach is paired with a “use last” sign, indicating an EV charging space is accessible but also directing people to use this space only when other charging spaces are occupied, or accessibility features are needed.

When developing an EV charging station, it is also important to consider physical safety and security. To build driver and passenger confidence, EV charging site hosts should prioritize safety and security in their site design. Some things to consider are lighting, station placement, amenities, secure payment, among others. For technical assistance related to designing elements that can provide physical safety and security, consider viewing this information sheet from the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.