NORTH WINDHAM, Maine (AP) With the installation of a high-speed electric vehicle charging station in North Windham, Maine has completed the first phase of an expanding public network of charging stations.

The Portland Press Herald reports that the stations, known as DC fast chargers, can add up to 250 miles of vehicle range in an hour and have been installed at seven locations across the state.

The network includes charging stations in the Kennebunk and West Gardiner plazas of the Maine Turnpike, as well as locations in Jackman, Skowhegan and Farmington.

Officials with Efficiency Maine Trust say these locations were selected deliberately for their strategic value.