The Electric Highway Coalition has doubled the number of companies committed to enabling long distance electric vehicle travel through a network of DC fast charging stations to connect major highway systems.
Membership in the EHC has now grown to include AVANGRID, Consolidated Edison, DTE Energy, Eversource Energy, Exelon, FirstEnergy Corp., ITC Holdings Corp. and National Grid. Formed in March, EHC began its membership with American Electric Power, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Entergy Corporation, Southern Co. and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Officials said, "Together, the 14 members – representing 29 states and the District of Columbia and serving more than 60 million customers – are committed to growing EV charging solutions along major transportation corridors within their service territories and working with other members to enable convenient charging options and seamless travel routes for EV drivers.
"In addition to expanding membership, the EHC has further defined its goals and is pursuing shared objectives. The members have agreed to work together to ensure efficient and effective fast charging deployment plans that enable long distance EV travel, avoid duplication among coalition utilities, and complement existing corridor fast charging sites. Ideally, EHC members are pursuing sites that are easily accessible for drivers located less than 100 miles apart.
"The EHC is also committed to providing a positive charging experience for drivers, including having at least two charging stations with universal vehicle compatibility, and additional features where feasible, such as real-time status reporting for drivers and convenient payment collection.
DC fast charging stations are typically capable of getting drivers back on the road in 20-30 minutes. Member companies are working closely with stakeholders in their service territories to determine the best approaches to support effective EV charging buildout. Each member company will determine its own specific pricing models and select its own charging equipment providers.
As a founding member of the EHC, TVA is working to ensure that EV drivers have access to a seamless network of charging stations connecting major highway systems across its seven-state service area and beyond. TVA is helping drive innovation and collaborating through partnerships within the Tennessee Valley to increase the use of electric vehicles. The shared goal is to move from the approximately 18,000 EVs in the region today to more than 200,000 EVs on Tennessee Valley roads by 2028.
TVA recently launched In Charge: Life with an Electric Vehicle, a five-episode video series aimed at dispelling myths and exploring the benefits of electric transportation. Take a road trip throughout the Tennessee Valley with a new video released every two weeks through September, to see how electric vehicles can fit any lifestyle. View the premiere episode here."
“Electric vehicles benefit the environment by reducing carbon, but the economic impact is also substantial,” said Drew Frye, TVA manager of Commercial Energy Solutions. “In the Tennessee Valley, you can buy a locally made EV, power it using electricity from TVA and your local power company, and do so knowing that you’re supporting local jobs.”
"The EHC welcomes interested utilities to join as it seeks to extend the network’s reach," officials said. "Additionally, it supports, and looks forward to working with other regional utility transportation electrification initiatives.