If you drive an EV in Hollis, this guide shows you where to plug in, how to plan fast stops, and how to set up home charging. Jump to public charging, fastest options for trips, home setup and incentives, and practical tips for New England winters. It is a local, plain‑English resource you can use today.
Quick primer — EV charging basics
Before you pick a station, it helps to know the terms you will see in apps and on signs:
- Level 1: A standard 120‑V outlet. Adds only a few miles per hour. Good as a backup.
- Level 2: A 240‑V charger at home, work, or in public lots. Expect about 10 to 25 miles of range per hour, based on your car and the charger power. This is the daily workhorse for most drivers. Source: U.S. DOT
- DC fast charging: High‑power stations along highways and at major shopping hubs. Adds tens to hundreds of miles in about 20 to 60 minutes, depending on charger kW and your vehicle’s max acceptance rate. Source: U.S. DOT
Connector types you will see:
- J1772: Most Level 2 plugs for non‑Tesla vehicles.
- CCS: The most common DC fast connector for non‑Tesla vehicles in the U.S.
- CHAdeMO: Older fast‑charge standard. Some sites still offer it.
- Tesla/NACS: Used at Tesla Superchargers. Some sites now allow non‑Tesla cars with an approved adapter. Always check the app first.
What it costs and how pricing works:
- Networks price by kWh, by minute, or a session fee. Some garages also charge for parking. Check the network’s app before you drive.
How speed affects time:
- A 64 kWh battery on a 50 kW fast charger can go from low to about 80 percent in roughly 45 to 60 minutes, then taper. On Level 2, plan a few hours or overnight. Cold weather slows things down, so leave extra time in winter. Source: U.S. DOT
Public charging options within and near Hollis
Hollis has limited on‑site public charging. The nearest clusters sit in south Nashua and Merrimack. Here is how to find what you need and fit it into your routine.
Where to look first:
- Shopping centers and malls
- Municipal lots and parking garages
- Office parks and medical campuses
- Car dealerships and retailers that host Level 2
- Highway‑style fast‑charging hubs at major interchanges
Details to note in any station listing:
- Station name and exact address
- Network and connector types (CCS, CHAdeMO, J1772, Tesla/NACS)
- Power level or speed (kW) and number of stalls
- Hours, access rules, parking fees, and time limits
- Real‑time status and user ratings for reliability
How to read a station listing (mini‑example):
- “Pheasant Lane Mall, Nashua | Electrify America | 4 CCS DC fast up to 150 kW | Open 24/7 | Session fees vary | Near Daniel Webster Hwy.” That tells you it is a fast site, open any time, with multiple stalls. You can plan a quick stop during errands. Verify live status in the app before you go.
What to prioritize:
- Reliability: Favor sites with multiple fast stalls and strong user ratings in the app.
- Speed: For quick top‑ups, target 150 kW or higher if your car can take it.
- Amenities: Malls and outlet centers make it easy to combine charging with a task.
Recommended apps for live info:
- PlugShare for community check‑ins and filters.
- Network apps like Electrify America, EVgo, Tesla, Blink, and ChargePoint for pricing and start/stop sessions.
Local context:
- The closest high‑power public hubs are at Pheasant Lane Mall in south Nashua and Merrimack Premium Outlets. Both show DC fast options on major networks and are useful for commuters and shoppers. Pheasant Lane overview and Merrimack Premium Outlets station details
- Downtown Nashua also has public Level 2 ports in the Elm Street Parking Garage.
- Office parks like 10 Tara Boulevard list Level 2 chargers that are great for workplace top‑ups. Confirm access and hours. 10 Tara Blvd
- Tesla Supercharger, Tyngsborough, MA | Supercharger (NACS) | Tesla | Fastest regional option for Tesla drivers. Non‑Tesla access varies.
Tip: Always confirm live status, pricing, and access in the network app. User check‑ins help spot active stalls and any site issues.
Where to find the fastest chargers for regional trips
For quick highway stops, aim for DC fast sites with multiple 150 kW or higher ports.
- South Nashua, Pheasant Lane Mall: Major networks list multiple DC fast stalls. Good food and restrooms nearby. Check Electrify America and EVgo. Pheasant Lane Mall overview
- Merrimack Premium Outlets: Along the Route 3 corridor, useful for north‑south travel. Station page
- Tesla Superchargers serving the region: Tyngsborough, MA, and Hooksett Travel Plazas on I‑93. Non‑Tesla access varies by site and may require an adapter. Check the Tesla app.
Planning habits:
- Target two backup fast‑charge options along your route in case of congestion.
- Prefer sites with 4 or more stalls and 150 kW plus for shorter waits.
- In winter, arrive with a buffer and precondition your battery if your car supports it.
Home charging for Hollis homeowners and prospective buyers
Most Hollis drivers will do the bulk of charging at home with Level 2. Here is how to set it up and what to check.
Typical setup and steps:
- Choose a Level 2 wallbox or a 240‑V outlet for a portable EVSE. Many units are Wi‑Fi enabled for scheduling.
- Hire a licensed electrician to add a dedicated 240‑V circuit and breaker, and to pull permits as needed.
- Install in your garage if possible. Driveway installs also work with outdoor‑rated equipment.
Costs to expect:
- Equipment can range from about $400 to $1,200. Installation depends on distance to panel, wiring, and whether you need a panel upgrade. Simple installs often total $400 to $2,500 plus. Complex jobs cost more. EPA home charging guide
Electrical checks:
- Panel capacity and available breakers
- Wire and conduit path, especially for detached garages
- Outdoor rating and weather protection
Use habits that work:
- Schedule overnight charging when rates are lower, if your utility offers time‑of‑use pricing.
- Keep the cable off the floor with a simple hook or reel.
- In winter, precondition the battery while plugged in to reduce range loss.
Buying a home? What to look for:
- A 200‑amp panel is common in newer homes and offers room for a charger. Ask for the panel rating and spare breaker space.
- Look for an existing 240‑V outlet in the garage, such as NEMA 14‑50 or 6‑50.
- Ask the seller if permits and inspection were done for any prior EV work.
- Check garage size, outlet placement, and driveway access for safe cable routing.
Permits, incentives and local programs in New Hampshire and Hillsborough County
Financial support can lower your costs, but eligibility varies by address and utility.
- Federal tax credit (Section 30C): Individuals may be able to claim 30 percent of the cost, up to $1,000 per home charging port. The credit only applies in certain census tracts and within the allowed dates. Verify your address and file IRS Form 8911 if eligible. IRS guidance
- Utility programs: Hollis is in Eversource New Hampshire service territory. Eversource lists EV programs such as time‑of‑use rates or managed charging, but details change by state and year. Check the NH page for current offerings. Eversource communities
- If you are served by New Hampshire Electric Co‑op in another part of the state, NHEC offers a Level 2 rebate and off‑peak EV rate for its members. This does not apply to Eversource accounts.
Permits and timing:
- Expect an electrical permit and an inspection for a new 240‑V circuit. Your electrician can handle this.
- Incentives often require pre‑approval or proof of permit. Keep receipts and photos.
Practical tips and local etiquette for EV drivers in Hollis
- Be courteous: Park only while charging. Move your car when you finish. Watch for idle fees.
- Combine errands: Choose chargers at malls or outlets so you can shop while you top up.
- Check status first: Use PlugShare and the network app to confirm live availability before you go.
- Winter habits: Precondition your battery, arrive with a buffer, and expect slower charging in very cold weather.
- Private‑property chargers: Some office parks and dealerships limit use to customers or employees. Read the posted rules.
Wrap‑up — is Hollis a good fit for EV owners? Next steps
Yes. Daily charging will likely happen at home, while fast, reliable public options sit a few minutes away in south Nashua and Merrimack. You now know where to find the fastest stations, how to read listings, and how to set up a simple, safe home charger.
If you are weighing a move, we can help you evaluate a home’s EV readiness and nearby charging as part of your search. Ready to understand how charger‑ready features may support your price and timeline? Get a Home Valuation and a local plan that fits your goals with Christensen Group, Inc.
FAQs
Q: Are there public chargers inside Hollis town limits? A: On‑site public options are limited in Hollis. Most drivers use nearby sites in south Nashua and Merrimack, plus home Level 2. Regional overview
Q: What is the closest high‑power DC fast charger? A: Pheasant Lane Mall in south Nashua and Merrimack Premium Outlets are the nearest high‑power hubs with multiple stalls. Merrimack station
Q: Can non‑Tesla cars use Tesla Superchargers near Hollis? A: Some sites allow non‑Tesla access with an approved adapter, but it varies by location. Check the Tesla app for Tyngsborough and Hooksett before you go.
Q: How much does a home charger cost to install? A: Many installs fall in the $400 to $2,500 plus range, depending on equipment and electrical work. Complex jobs cost more. EPA guide
Q: What incentives are available for Hollis homeowners? A: The federal Section 30C credit can help in eligible census tracts, and utilities may offer programs. Verify address and utility details before you buy. IRS info and Eversource
