In an unprecedented effort, six major utilities in the United States have announced a plan to ensure electric vehicle users have access to seamless charging network across major highways-- spanning the Atlantic Coast, through the Midwest and South, and into the Gulf and Central Plains regions.
The Electric Highway Coalition – made up of American Electric Power (AEP), Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Entergy Corporation, Southern Co., and the Tennessee Valley Authority earlier this month announced a plan that will enable EV users a seamless travel experience across major regions in the US, through a network of DC fast chargers for EVs.
“Sites along major highway routes with easy highway access and amenities for travelers are being considered as coalition members work to determine final charging station locations. Charging stations will provide DC fast chargers that are capable of getting drivers back on the road in approximately 20-30 minutes,” AEP confirmed in an official statement.
The announcement has come after Edison Institute released data that an estimated 18 million EVs will on the US roads by 2030. While the benefits of EV are widely known to the public, concerns over the availability of charging stations for medium- and long-haul trips remain a major roadblock to EV adoption.
“The path to cleaner transportation is a robust charging infrastructure along the nation’s major highways,” said Lang Reynolds, Director of Electrification Strategy for Duke Energy, a coalition member.
“Range anxiety is a barrier to more EV adoption. This coalition can erase those obstacles and help deliver the benefits of EV ownership to consumers.”
The new charging station will be equipped to provide high-power fast charging as the newly launched EV models are capable of charging at a fast speed.
Reports confirm, that each company will be taking steps to provide EV fast charging options within their service territories to facilitate interstate travel. The Coalition has also welcomed interested utilities to join, so the network of EV charging stations can be further extended. It is also looking to work with other regional utility for transportation corridor electrification initiatives.
- By Shraddha Kakade,
Asst. Editor, Emerging Technology News.