DTE Energy and Consumers Energy pledge to help build extensive Midwest electric vehicle charging network
September 22 2020 - 9:30AM
DTE Energy and Consumers Energy have announced they are joining a
first-of-its-kind pledge to make interstate travel easier for
electric vehicle (EV) owners by 2022. Six energy companies will
join in facilitating the construction of a vast network of fast
charging stations across the Midwest from Michigan to Kansas,
making it possible for EV owners to drive longer distances without
worrying about their next charge.
Automotive industry watchers believe that the lack of convenient
fast charging – given that the number of fast chargers is
significantly less than the number of gas stations on the highways
– has been a factor holding some vehicle shoppers back from
purchasing EVs. DTE’s and Consumers’ pledge to assist in the
creation of the Midwest charging network will help solve this
challenge by enabling clean transportation for many travelers well
into the future.
”Consumers Energy is committed to building the backbone of the
charging network for electric vehicles across Michigan,” said Brian
Rich, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president for customer
experience. “We know we can play an important role in charging the
growth of EVs in our state and region, and know that will be good
for Michigan’s economy, our communities and the environment.”
“DTE has a significant role to play in helping make EVs a viable
option for many,” said Trevor Lauer, president and chief operating
officer, DTE Electric. “This pledge, along with the rebates we
offer for EV chargers installed at homes and businesses, shows DTE
is committed to a future of more environmentally-friendly
transportation.”
In 2019, DTE Energy introduced its Charging Forward program
offering incentives for its business customers to install, own, and
operate Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFCs) along major highway
corridors in Southeast Michigan. To date, eight fast chargers are
operational in Ann Arbor, Troy and Northville, with more than 40
additional DCFCs in development across DTE's service territory. DTE
believes the combination of initiatives like the Midwest charging
network, utility charger rebates, and available Volkswagen
settlement funds should help create the foundational charging
network needed to support the expected 130 EV model launches from
automakers by the end of 2022.
Consumers Energy’s PowerMIDrive program offers rebates to
customers for EV chargers at homes, workplaces and in public
locations. Today, fast charging locations – which can fill a
vehicle’s battery in an hour – are in place in Cadillac, Gaylord,
Marshall, Big Rapids and Saugatuck, with plans for over 30 more to
be operating by next year. In addition, Consumers Energy has
accelerated plans to electrify its own fleet of company
vehicles.
According to the Edison Electric Institute, more than 1.4
million EVs are in use today, a number expected to grow to nearly
20 million by 2030. The Institute anticipates that a robust network
of EV charging stations will be required to serve the needs of
these drivers.
Companies joining DTE Energy and Consumers Energy in the
charging network’s memorandum of cooperation include Ameren
Missouri, Ameren Illinois, Oklahoma Gas and Energy, and Evergy
(covering parts of Missouri and Kansas). Additional companies have
expressed interest and may soon join the collaborative effort.
Construction of the network will be subject to regulatory approval
in each region.
About DTE EnergyDTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a
Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the
development and management of energy-related businesses and
services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric
company serving 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a
natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The
DTE portfolio includes energy businesses focused on power and
industrial projects; renewable natural gas; natural gas pipelines,
gathering and storage; and energy marketing and trading. As an
environmental leader, DTE utility operations will reduce carbon
dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80% by 2040 to produce
cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE
Electric aspires to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. DTE is
committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism,
education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and economic
progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com,
empoweringmichigan.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and
facebook.com.
For further information, members of the media may
contact:Chris Lamphear, DTE Energy, 248.425.2331
About Consumers EnergyConsumers Energy,
Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of
CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to
6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower
Peninsula counties.
For further information, members of the media may
contact:Brian Wheeler, Consumers Energy, 517-740-1545
DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024