Cambridge, Massachusetts EV Charging Stations Info

Cambridge sits at the intersection of dense urban living, world-class universities, and one of New England's most active EV communities. With over 5,000 electric vehicles registered in the city as of recent counts, EV charging in Cambridge is not a question of whether stations exist — it's a question of knowing exactly where to go, what to pay, and how to navigate a city where most residents park on the street. Whether you're a Harvard Square visitor, a Kendall Square commuter, or a Mid-Cambridge resident without a driveway, EV charging in Cambridge requires a strategy built on local knowledge.

Cambridge's City-Owned Charging Network: From Central Square to Fresh Pond

The City of Cambridge recognizes the importance of EV charging infrastructure alongside other sustainable modes of transportation. The city operates a growing network of public Level 2 charging (240V, adds 11-54 miles/hour) stations spread across neighborhoods from Inman Square to Alewife.

City-owned public charging stations include locations at Robert Paine Park (Saint Mary Road at Amory Street), the Water Treatment Plant (250 Fresh Pond Parkway), City Hall Annex (Inman Street at Broadway), Raymond Park (Upland Road), Pemberton Street at Yerxa Road near Rindge Field, Tudor Street Dog Park, and Sennott Park (Norfolk Street at Broadway).

The Department of Public Works at 147 Hampshire Street offers charging stations available for public use Monday 8:00 PM through Tuesday 6:00 AM, Tuesday through Friday 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and all day Saturday and Sunday. The First Street Garage (entrance on Spring Street) is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Municipal Lot 5 at 84 Bishop Allen Drive, Municipal Lot 12 at Warren Street/Macarelli Way, Municipal Lot 8 at 375 Green Street, and Municipal Lot 9 at 420 Green Street are all open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Use the ChargeHub map to find real-time availability at these and other stations across Cambridge.

What EV Charging Costs at City Stations in Cambridge

Pricing at city-owned stations was updated in 2025. Effective April 15, 2025, the City of Cambridge revised fees for public use of City-owned EV charging stations. EV drivers now pay $0.28 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), with the existing $0.15 per hour flat fee while a vehicle is plugged in remaining unchanged.

The new rates reflect actual electricity rates and costs associated with station operations, and align with fees charged in neighboring communities. Standard parking meter rates and regulations at charging stations continue to apply, so factor in parking costs when planning your session.

Private networks like ChargePoint and EVgo set their own pricing at their respective stations. Many networks use variable pricing that accounts for location, time of day, and power delivery, so costs can fluctuate throughout the day. Level 2 public charging typically costs less but charges more slowly, making it better suited for longer stops like shopping or dining.

Harvard Square and Kendall Square: Destination Charging for Visitors

EV charging in Cambridge is well-positioned for visitors exploring the city's two most iconic districts.

Harvard Square

The Charles Square Garage, located beneath The Charles Hotel in historic Harvard Square, offers free EV charging. The Charles Square Garage offers Level 2 charging stations in the area. Powered by the AmpUp software platform, drivers can activate charging sessions with a smartphone and receive real-time alerts when their vehicle is fully charged. The garage is open 24 hours a day, making charging available anytime.

The Sheraton Commander Hotel is also located in the Harvard Square district, providing another option for overnight guests who need to top up their battery.

Kendall Square

The Boston Marriott Cambridge is located in trendy Kendall Square and offers on-site EV charging for hotel guests. The AC Hotel Boston Cambridge has electric vehicle charging stations (subject to availability). Kendall Square parking garages on Kendall Street and Binney Street serve visitors to MIT and the surrounding biotech corridor, with charging ports available on lower garage levels.

To locate charging near any Cambridge attraction, download the ChargeHub app for iPhone or download the ChargeHub app for Android for real-time availability and unified payment across all networks.

Charging Networks Operating in Cambridge: ChargePoint, EVgo, and Tesla

EV charging in Cambridge draws on a mix of public and private charging networks. Understanding each network's strengths helps you plan route and avoid wait times.

Network	Coverage Focus	Charging Type	Typical Use Case
ChargePoint	Urban parking, workplaces	Level 2 + DC Fast	Daily commuters, long stops
EVgo	Urban metro areas	Level 3 (DC fast charging)	Quick top-ups, urban drivers
Tesla Supercharger	Highways + urban	Level 3 (DC fast charging)	Tesla owners, road trips
City of Cambridge	Street-side, parks, lots	Level 2	Residents, overnight charging

ChargePoint is one of the largest EV charging station networks by number of locations, primarily focused on Level 2 charging but also expanding DC fast charging. EVgo specializes in DC fast charging stations in urban areas.

Most modern EVs use CCS (Combined Charging System, standard DC fast-charging connector) or NACS (North American Charging Standard, Tesla connector now industry-wide). Older Nissan Leaf models may require CHAdeMO (Japanese DC fast charging standard). J1772 (standard North American AC charging connector) remains the universal Level 2 connector. Check your vehicle's charging port before arriving at a station to avoid compatibility surprises.

ChargeHub's unified payment platform works across all major networks, eliminating the need to manage multiple accounts. Use the ChargeHub mobile app to find charging, check real-time availability, and pay at stations across every network in Cambridge.

Massachusetts MOR-EV Rebates and Cambridge-Specific Incentives

Cambridge EV drivers benefit from a strong state incentive landscape. The Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOR-EV) Program aims to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and support greater adoption of electric vehicles across the Commonwealth by offering rebates to consumers who register their on-road zero emission vehicles in Massachusetts.

The MOR-EV program provides rebates for buying or leasing EVs, including eligible battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) with rebates up to $3,500. The vehicle sales price must be $55,000 or less. Income-qualifying individuals can receive an additional $1,500.

The Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) provides grants for 60% of the cost of Level 1 or Level 2 EV chargers installed at multifamily housing (MFH) and educational campuses, up to $50,000 per street address. Eligible entities include private, public, or non-profit MFHs with five or more residential units.

National Grid and Eversource have programs that support the costs of installing charging in different categories. Program rules and rebates were recently updated by an order issued by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) in October 2025. Cambridge residents served by Eversource can explore these utility rebates for charging installation projects.

For the most current MOR-EV program details, visit mass.gov/info-details/mor-ev-rebate-program.

Cambridge's Right-to-Charge Law: What Condo and Apartment Residents Need to Know

Cambridge has a unique legal advantage for multifamily EV drivers. The Right-to-Charge law, specific to the City of Cambridge, was signed by the Governor in December 2022. The law is for owners of units in condo and multi-family buildings, giving owners the right to install EV charging in their building at the owner's expense.

Effective January 27, 2023, community associations in Cambridge cannot prohibit or unreasonably restrict the installation of an EV charging station in one's exclusive use parking space or in common area within a reasonable distance to a dedicated spot.

If the association creates an application process, it must act on an application within 60 days, otherwise the application is deemed approved.

Massachusetts extended similar protections statewide in 2025. As of May 15, 2025, Massachusetts law allows residents of multifamily properties, such as condominiums and apartments, to install EV charging stations. The "Right to Charge" law ensures that condominium associations, homeowner associations (HOAs), and similar governing bodies cannot ban or unreasonably restrict the installation of EV chargers.

For residents without driveway access, the City of Cambridge has a pilot permit program to allow residents without off-street parking to charge electric vehicles. The annual permit costs $200 and requires a valid City of Cambridge Parking Permit, a letter from a certified electrician confirming a ground-floor outdoor GFCI outlet, proof of insurance, and an ADA-accessible ramp over the cord.

Connector Compatibility and DC Fast Charging in Cambridge

Electric vehicle charging in Cambridge spans a range of charging speeds and connector types. Knowing your vehicle's connector type saves time and prevents frustration.

• Level 2 (240V): The most common public charging type in Cambridge. City-owned stations, hotel parking, and workplace chargers mostly use Level 2. Adds 11-54 miles per hour of charge.
• Level 3 (DC fast charging): DCFC (DC Fast Charging) stations deliver rapid charges, typically adding 100-200 miles in 20-40 minutes. Available at EVgo and Tesla Supercharger locations in the Cambridge area.
• J1772: Standard North American AC charging connector. Found on all Level 2 public stations.
• CCS: Combined Charging System, standard DC fast-charging connector. Required for most non-Tesla EVs at fast chargers.
• NACS: North American Charging Standard, Tesla connector now industry-wide. New 2025+ non-Tesla EVs increasingly ship with NACS natively.
• CHAdeMO: Japanese DC fast charging standard. Found at certain older DC fast chargers; less common in new installations.

Older EVs with CCS charging ports need a CCS-to-NACS adapter to access Tesla Superchargers. Quality adapters cost $100 to $200.

Practical Tips for EV Charging in Cambridge

EV charging in Cambridge rewards drivers who plan ahead. These tips apply whether you're visiting for the day or living in the city year-round.

• Check availability before you drive. Use the ChargeHub app to see real-time availability at city-owned stations and private network locations before heading out.
• Use municipal lots for overnight charging. Municipal Lot 5, Lot 8, Lot 9, and Lot 12 are open 24/7. These are ideal for residents who need to charge overnight without a driveway.
• Budget for parking fees on top of charging costs. All other parking fees and rules still apply at city-owned charging stations. Factor in meter costs when planning your session.
• Charge during longer stops. Level 2 public charging typically costs less but charges more slowly, making it better suited for longer stops like shopping or dining. Pair a charging session with a meal in Harvard Square or Central Square.
• Visitors staying at Cambridge hotels: Confirm EV charging availability when booking. The Charles Hotel's Charles Square Garage offers free Level 2 charging. The AC Hotel Boston Cambridge and Sheraton Commander also provide on-site charging.
• Know your connector type. Bring a CCS-to-NACS adapter if your vehicle uses CCS and you want access to Tesla Supercharger stations in the area.
• Apply for the MOR-EV rebate within 90 days of purchase. MOR-EV provides rebates for the purchase or lease of eligible battery electric vehicles and fuel-cell electric vehicles, including passenger cars and medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Apply at mor-ev.org.
• Reduce range anxiety with a route plan. Cambridge's dense network of Level 2 stations means you rarely need to travel far to find a charging port. Use ChargeHub to plan route stops before longer trips out of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find DC fast charging near Cambridge?

EV charging in Cambridge includes DC fast charging options from EVgo and Tesla Supercharger locations in the greater Cambridge area. Level 3 charging (DC fast charging) can add 100-200 miles in under 40 minutes. Use the ChargeHub map to locate the nearest DC fast charger to your current location in real time.

How much does EV charging cost at Cambridge city-owned stations?

EV charging in Cambridge at city-owned stations costs $0.28 per kWh, plus a flat fee of $0.15 per hour while plugged in, effective April 15, 2025, according to the City of Cambridge's official fee schedule. Standard parking meter rates also apply at certain locations. Private network stations like ChargePoint and EVgo set their own per-kWh or per-minute rates.

What is the Cambridge Right-to-Charge law and does it apply to renters?

The Cambridge Right-to-Charge law, signed in December 2022, gives condo and multifamily building owners the right to install EV charging in their exclusive parking space or in a common area near their dedicated spot. Condo associations cannot prohibit or unreasonably restrict installation. Massachusetts extended a statewide Right-to-Charge rule as of May 15, 2025, covering all multifamily properties. Renters should discuss installation with their landlord and reference the state law.

What Massachusetts rebates are available for electric vehicle charging in Cambridge?

Cambridge residents qualify for the MOR-EV rebate program, which offers up to $3,500 for eligible new EV purchases or leases with a vehicle price at or below $55,000. Income-qualifying residents can receive an additional $1,500. The MassEVIP program covers 60% of Level 2 charger installation costs at multifamily buildings, up to $50,000. Eversource customers may also access utility rebates for charging installation. Visit mass.gov for current program details.

How do I find and pay for EV charging stations in Cambridge across different networks?

Electric vehicle charging in Cambridge spans multiple networks including ChargePoint, EVgo, Tesla Supercharger, and city-owned stations. Managing separate accounts for each network creates friction. The ChargeHub app provides unified access to locate stations, check real-time availability, and pay across all major networks from one platform. Download ChargeHub for iPhone or download for Android to simplify EV charging in Cambridge.

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