Today, FirstEnergy Corp. announced it joined the Electric Highway Coalition. In fact, this initiative consists of a group of electric companies committed to enabling long-distance electric vehicle (EV) travel; precisely, through a network of EV fast-charging stations connecting major highway systems.
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About the Electric Highway Coalition (EHC)
Worth noting, the Electric Highway Coalition (EHC) was formed in March 2021. Accordingly, it includes many of the nation’s leading utilities in 29 states and the District of Columbia. Besides, it serves more than 60 million customers.
In fact, members of the Electric Highway Coalition include American Electric Power, AVANGRID, Consolidated Edison, DTE Energy, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Entergy Corporation, Eversource Energy, Exelon, FirstEnergy, ITC Holdings Corp., National Grid, Southern Company, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
The members are committed to growing EV charging solutions within their service territories and working together to ensure efficient and effective fast-charging deployment plans that enable long-distance EV travel, avoid duplication among coalition utilities and complement existing fast-charging sites.
Reception
In this sense, Meghan Beringer, FirstEnergy’s director of Emerging Technologies Strategy, said; “Indeed, we look forward to working with the members of the Electric Highway Coalition; particularly, to support a network of stations that provides convenient fast-charging options for EV drivers; specifically, as they travel across major regions of the country.”
Additionally, “joining the EHC will help expand our ability to provide customers with opportunities; particularly, to utilize electric vehicles in their everyday lives,” continued Beringer.
In fact, and it is worth noting, the Edison Electric Institute estimates 18 million EVs will be on U.S. roads by 2030. Although many drivers recognize the benefits of driving an EV, some are concerned with charging stations during long road trips.
Therefore, through their unified efforts, the members of the Electric Highway Coalition are addressing this “range anxiety.” Further, they demonstrate to customers that EVs are a smart choice for traveling long distances and driving around town.
In this way, FirstEnergy is engaged in discussion with regulators and legislators in the states it serves; specifically, to help support the expansion of EV infrastructure.
About FirstEnergy joining the EHC
Indeed, and following the company’s addition to the Electric Highway Coalition, Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, installed its first fast-charging stations in its Maryland service area earlier this year; which in fact, are also known as direct-current fast chargers (DCFC).
Accordingly, these fast-charging stations can provide an 80% charge for most vehicles in less than an hour.
In fact, the new stations are part of Potomac Edison’s EV Driven pilot program; for instance, a five-year Maryland Public Service Commission-approved program that can benefit the state’s environment; particularly, by reducing auto emissions. Therefore, Potomac Edison will install 59 charging stations; indeed including 20 fast-charging stations, across its Maryland territory.
Lastly, FirstEnergy is also taking steps to electrify its vehicle fleet. Accordingly, the company previously announced that the company’s new aerial and light-duty trucks would be electric or hybrid vehicles.
Moreover, FirstEnergy expects to electrify 30% of its approximately 3,400 light-duty and aerial fleet vehicles by 2030; thus, representing 1,034 vehicles, to reach 100% electrification by 2050.
