Affordable EV Charging at Library in Glenwood, Maryland

Shell Recharge EV Charging at Glenwood Library – Cooksville, MD

If you’re driving through Glenwood, Cooksville, or Inwood, Maryland, and need to top up your electric vehicle, the Shell Recharge EV charging station at Glenwood Library could be a good option. This BGE EVsmart station offers two 50 kW Tritium DC fast chargers and three dual-port Level 2 EVSEs, providing flexibility for either a quick charge or a longer stay. The pricing is straightforward: fast charging costs $0.32/kWh plus a 6% Maryland state sales tax, while Level 2 charging is priced at $0.17/kWh plus tax.

It’s worth noting that the 50 kW speed of the DC fast chargers is relatively slow compared to other providers that offer 150 kW or greater. Additionally, the reliability of the two DC fast chargers at this site has been problematic, with BGE most recently reporting uptimes of 92.4% and 12.7%, both of which fall short of the 97% uptime benchmark.

Location and Amenities

Located in the parking lot of the Glenwood Branch of the Howard County Library on Route 97, this station is about two miles south of I-70. This charging site is also adjacent to the Gary J. Arthur Community Center and the Howard County Western Regional Park. Facility hours are limited, however there are a few nearby amenities:

• Restrooms: Available at both the library and the park.
• Food Options: Two nearby restaurants, Walker’s Tap and Table and Ragu NY Pizza & Italian Kitchen, are about a 7-minute walk to the south.
• Recreation: The Western Regional Park features ample walking trails, perfect for stretching your legs while your car charges.

Charging Site Statistics

• Address: 2350 Roxbury Mills Rd, Cooksville, MD 21723 map
• Opening Date: June 26, 2020

Charging Equipment:

• DC Fast: 50 kW (Qty: 2)
• Level 2: 7 kW dual-port (Qty: 3)

Reliability and Performance

Uptime figures, meant to reflect the station’s reliability, are self-reported by BGE via their network provider, Shell Recharge.

From July to December 2023, the station’s reported uptime statistics were:

• DCFC (EVSE ID 153026): 12.7%
• DCFC (EVSE ID 153018): 92.4%
• Level 2 Chargers (EVSE ID 52202A, 52307A & 52305A): 99.7%

Energy Throughput:

From January to December 2023, the station’s average daily throughput was:

• Total Daily Average for Year: 46 kWh
• Lowest Daily Average: 28 kWh – April
• Highest Daily Average: 65 kWh – February

The graph below illustrates the 2023 energy throughput trend for this charging site. The throughput, shown in average kWh delivered per day, is plotted for each month of 2023. The site achieved an overall annual average of 46 kWh per day. April recorded the lowest throughput, averaging 28 kWh per day, while February saw the highest, with an average of 65 kWh per day. The trend remained relatively stable throughout the year, showing no significant growth over time.

Financial Overview

Revenue and Electricity Expense:

The financial analysis of this charging location reveals a net loss approaching $20,000, attributed to the difference between revenue from charging fees and the associated electricity costs. Significant losses are largely due to demand charges under a commercial tariff. Increasing utilization could potentially mitigate these losses.

• Revenue: $7,669.61
• Electricity Bill: $27,272.60
• Cumulative Electricity Loss to Date: $19,602.99

Construction Cost and Other Expenses:

The station’s construction cost was $177,243.43, with annual networking fees amounting to $2,960.00. The operation and maintenance costs have not yet been reported although those costs are required to be part of the transparency provisions of the Maryland Electric Vehicle Charging Reliability Act (HB 834) which passed the legislature in 2023. These maintenance costs, once revealed, will highlight the investment required to provide public charging infrastructure in the region.

• Installation Costs: $177,243.43
• Annual Networking Fees: $2,960.00
• Annual Operation & Maintenance: TBD

Visit and Connect

2350 Roxbury Mills Rd, Cooksville, MD 21723 map

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Conclusion

Whether you’re a local resident or passing through, the Shell Recharge Charging Station at Glenwood Library offers an affordable but not especially fast or always reliable charging option. With nearby walking trails, library and recreational activities, it’s a great spot to recharge both your vehicle and yourself.

This station is a suitable option for charging during library or park hours. Be advised that amenities are limited in the immediate area and the DC Fast Charger uptime is slightly below the industry benchmark of 97%.

*Data source: Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Semi-Annual EV Pilot Program Progress Report for the period of July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. Maryland PSC ML#301120.