Transportation

6 US utilities create EV charging network

Image courtesy of the Electric Highway Coalition.

March 5, 2021

Six U.S. utilities have announced a plan to ensure that electric vehicle drivers have access to a network of charging stations connecting major highway systems from the Atlantic Coast, through the Midwest and South, and into the Gulf and Central Plains regions, according to a press release.

The Electric Highway Coalition — made up of American Electric Power, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Entergy Corporation, Southern Co. and the Tennessee Valley Authority — announced a plan to enable EV drivers seamless travel across major regions of the country through a network of DC fast chargers for EVs.

The Edison Electric Institute estimates 18 million EVs will be on U.S. roads by 2030. While many drivers recognize the benefits of driving an EV, such as the ease of low-cost home charging, some are concerned with the availability of charging stations during long road trips.

Charging stations will provide DC fast chargers that are capable of getting drivers back on the road in approximately 20-30 minutes.