JACKSON, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Just in time for Earth Week, Consumers Energy announced Monday that it has begun plans to build 200 fast charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) by 2024.
At this time, charging stations that allow emissions-free EVs to power up quickly are in place in 24 locations reaching 250 miles north to south, according to Consumers.
Over the next three years, Consumers Energy plans to help 200 fast charging locations – and over 2,000 chargers at homes and businesses – start powering EVs across Michigan.
“Our country’s auto industry was born right here in Michigan. Consumers Energy is excited to charge the next generation of transportation in our home state and help Michigan lead the nation into a clean automotive future,” Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience Lauren Youngdahl Snyder said in a statement. “Fast charging means EV owners can power their vehicles wherever they travel across Michigan, and their options are growing by the day.”
Consumers Energy launched its PowerMIDrive program less than two years ago. Since then, officials say it has provided over 600 rebates for home, business and public charging stations that make electric vehicle ownership convenient and affordable.
Those rebates include the 24 fast charging locations, which can fully power a vehicle’s battery in less than an hour. There were only four as recently as last summer, and another dozen should start operating in the next six months.
Customers can learn more about the PowerMIDrive program at ConsumersEnergy.com/
In addition, last month, a coalition of Midwest energy providers including Consumers Energy that committed to long-range EV charging expanded to 10 companies. Electric vehicle owners will have the fast charging network to fully power the 1,300-mile drive from Mackinac City to the Colorado border, according to officials.
“We know electric vehicles still make up a small number of cars on the road, but that’s changing quickly,” Youngdahl Snyder added. “EV sales are growing by over 20% each year as more people commit to a clean, affordable automotive future, and Consumers Energy is building the infrastructure to make sure more electric vehicles can hit the road.”
