Seven major electric companies announced a plan to ensure electric vehicle (EV) drivers have access to a seamless network of charging stations across major highways in the South, Midwest, Gulf, and Central Plains regions. The Electric Highway Coalition – made up of American Electric Power (AEP), Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Entergy Corporation, Eversource Energy, Southern Company, and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) – will enable drivers to travel across a broad portion of the country and to recharge their EVs using a network of direct current fast chargers (DCFCs).

The companies are taking steps to provide EV fast-charging options within their service territories to facilitate interstate travel. This partnership represents an unprecedented effort to offer EV drivers convenient charging across different company boundaries and to allow EV travel without interruptions.

Sites along well-traveled roadways with easy access for travelers are being considered, as coalition members work to determine final charging station locations. These charging stations will provide DCFCs that can get drivers back on the road in about 20-30 minutes.

Today, there are more than 1.7 million EVs on U.S. roads, and EEI and the Institute for Electric Innovation estimate that this number will grow to 18 million EVs by 2030. While many drivers recognize the benefits of driving an EV, some are concerned about the availability of charging stations during long road trips. Coordinated efforts like this are demonstrating that EVs are a smart choice for driving around town, as well as for traveling long distances.

American Electric Power

“Throughout the ages, travelers have had to figure out how to get from point A to B. From feeding and watering horses, to filling gas tanks, and now recharging batteries, ensuring that there are convenient places to accomplish these tasks is critical,” said Nick Akins, AEP’s Chairman, President, and CEO. “With this effort, we are working to help drivers see that EVs fit their lifestyle and their travel plans, wherever the road might take them.”

Read AEP’s press release to learn more about the company’s fleet electrification goals, efforts to educate customers about electric transportation benefits, and EV programs.

Dominion Energy

"Dominion Energy is committed to equitable and reliable charging access so our customers may experience the benefits of electric transportation, including reduced carbon emissions," said Bob Blue, President and CEO of Dominion Energy. "We're excited to collaborate with our utility partners on this important initiative to connect customers to charging resources and encourage electric vehicle travel."

Read Dominion Energy’s press release to learn more about the company’s fleet electrification initiatives and EV programs.

Duke Energy

“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. “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.”

Read Duke Energy’s press release to learn more about the company’s EV projects, its internal and external EV pilot programs, and an internal “Electrify By Example” initiative.

Entergy Corporation

“At Entergy, we are taking an integrated approach toward a carbon-free future that includes working with industry peers and customers to electrify other sectors of the economy like transportation and the maritime industry,” said Leo Denault, Chairman and CEO of Entergy Corporation. “Initiatives like this proposed regional EV charging corridor will help lower transportation emissions and provide community benefits for all our stakeholders.”

Read Entergy’s press release to learn about the company’s fleet electrification goals and EV programs.

Eversource Energy

“This coalition makes range anxiety a thing of the past by creating an organized network of chargers along major highways,” said Eversource Vice President of Strategy & Policy Roger Kranenburg. “As a catalyst for clean energy, we are deploying one of the largest EV charging programs in the nation. We’re rapidly advancing to our goal of providing 3,500 charging ports across Massachusetts, and we’re seeking regulatory and state approval in both Connecticut and New Hampshire for EV programs in those states. Our program and this coalition will play vital roles in reducing carbon emissions across the region and realizing our clean energy future.”

Read Eversource Energy's press release to learn more.

Southern Company

“At Southern Company, we are committed to being a leader in building a clean and sustainable energy future for our customers and that includes continuing to increase the reach of electric transportation for more and more drivers,” said Chris Cummiskey, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, and Customer Solutions Officer at Southern Company.

“By increasing the number of EV fast charging stations across our footprint, we are providing drivers with additional transportation options that are reliable, efficient, and more convenient while helping reduce carbon emissions for the benefit of our communities we serve.”

Read Southern Company's press release to learn about the company’s fleet electrification goal.

Tennessee Valley Authority

“TVA and the local power companies we serve are focused on being innovative transportation leaders, and we’re pleased to collaborate with neighboring companies such as American Electric Power, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Entergy Corp., and Southern Company on this initiative,” said TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash. “Together, we can power the electric road trip of tomorrow by ensuring seamless travel across a large region of the U.S. This is one of many strategic partnerships that TVA is building to increase the number of electric vehicles to well over 200,000 in the Tennessee Valley by 2028. “EV adoption will spur jobs and economic investment in the region, keep refueling dollars in the local economy, reduce the region’s largest source of carbon emissions, and save drivers and businesses money.”

Read TVA’s press release to learn about the company’s EV programs and partnerships, including a recently announced partnership between TVA and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to develop and fund a fast-charging network across the interstates and major highways of the state.

The Electric Highway Coalition welcomes interested companies to join as it seeks to extend the reach of its network. The coalition supports and looks forward to working with other regional electric company transportation corridor electrification initiatives.

Transportation electrification plays a key role in the clean energy transition, and EEI’s member companies are focused on expanding EV charging infrastructure and investing in technology to drive this transition. To learn more about transportation electrification, visit EEI’s website.

Tags : Clean Energy, Innovative Partnerships, Game Changers, All