Frequently Asked Questions

Hawaiian Electric is committed to supporting Hawaii’s transition to carbon-free transportation through a diverse suite of customer programs and initiatives.

To support Hawaii’s public charging needs, Hawaiian Electric owns and operates 32 DC fast charging stations at 28 locations across our service territory. Starting in 2014, Hawaiian Electric installed these chargers to establish a critical backbone of public charging infrastructure, which has helped to support EV adoption across the state. While this pilot program is currently fully subscribed, Hawaiian Electric has filed an application with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to expand the program with an additional 300 publicly-accessible EV charging ports. This expansion application is currently under the PUC’s review. Please stay tuned to Hawaiian Electric’s website for updates.

In addition, Hawaiian Electric offers two make-ready pilot programs: Charge Up eBus, and Charge Up Commercial. By installing supporting infrastructure on behalf of participating customers, these pilot programs reduce the upfront cost of installing EV charging equipment for bus operators, and for commercial and multi-family properties.

Hawaiian Electric also offers several EV-specific commercial rate schedule options, specifically tailored to the large demand requirements of EV charging stations:

Schedules EV-J and EV-P can save qualifying commercial customers up to 58% on their bills compared to standard commercial rates through lower demand charges and a time-of-use structure. EV-J and EV-P are available to qualifying commercial customers through March 17, 2027 as part of a pilot program. Enrollment is limited to 1,000 separately metered customer accounts for EV-J, and 500 separately metered customer accounts for EV-P.

Schedules EBUS-J and EBUS-P enable bus fleet customers to benefit from lower prices that encourage charging during the Mid-Day period (9 AM – 5 PM) when there is abundant solar energy on the grid, and overnight during the Off-Peak period (10 PM – 9 AM) when electricity demand is low. Demand charges typically paid by commercial customers are also eliminated during the Mid-Day and Off-Peak periods.

Most recently, Hawaiian Electric has partnered with EV software provider ev.energy to offer customers a smart charging mobile app that will enable EV drivers to optimize their charging sessions while helping inform Hawaiian Electric’s development of future charging programs and EV-specific rate options. EV drivers receive a cash incentive or HawaiianMiles in exchange for participating. To sign up, please visit https://smartchargehi.ev.energy/.

Hawaiian Electric is taking part in a nationwide commitment and has set a goal to make every passenger car in its fleet plug-in electric by 2035, across five islands. Approximately 20% of its passenger vehicles are already EVs, leading the state in electric fleets.

Hawaiian Electric continues to research new technologies and services which may benefit EV drivers and stakeholders, as well as all our customers. For more information on Hawaiian Electric’s commitment to cleaner transportation, you may read the Electrification of Transportation Strategic Roadmap. This Roadmap outlines 10 key initiatives in which Hawaiian Electric is supporting electric transportation.