RICHMOND, Va., March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Six major utilities
today announced a plan to ensure that electric vehicle (EV) drivers
have access to a seamless 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.
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
companies are each taking steps to provide EV charging solutions
within their service territories. This represents an unprecedented
effort to offer convenient EV charging options across different
company territories and allow EV travel without interruption.
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. With efforts like the Electric Highway Coalition,
electric companies are demonstrating to customers that EVs are a
smart choice for driving around town, as well as traveling long
distances.
This effort will provide drivers with effective, efficient, and
convenient charging options that enable long-distance EV travel.
Sites along major highway routes with easy highway access and
amenities for travelers are being considered as coalition members
work to determine final charging station locations. Charging
stations will provide DC fast chargers that are capable of getting
drivers back on the road in approximately 20-30 minutes.
"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 Robert M. Blue,
president and chief executive officer at 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."
Dominion Energy is working to reduce carbon emissions and
helping customers do the same. Transportation is the largest source
of carbon emissions in the United
States. Electrification plays a vital role in reducing
emissions and improving air quality. The company is supporting the
adoption of electric vehicles in the following ways:
- Providing rebates for electric vehicle
charging. The Smart Charging Infrastructure Pilot
Program supports EV adoption in Virginia and will inform the design of managed
charging programs and other EV customer offerings in the
future.
- Helping public transportation go green. Electric transit
buses in South Carolina and
Virginia will be powered by
Dominion Energy through partnerships with the Charleston Area
Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) and Hampton Roads
Transit. Dominion Energy played an instrumental role in placing six
electric buses in service in 2020 with CARTA, South Carolina's largest public transportation
provider. The CARTA fleet of electric public buses is expected to
grow to a total of 12 by the end of 2021, 32 by mid-2022, with
eventual plans to convert the entire fleet of more than 120 buses
to electric – all charging on Dominion Energy's grid.
- Helping electric vehicle owners save money when they
charge at off-peak times. Virginia
customers who have smart meters will be eligible to enroll in a
newly approved time-varying rate that will give them more control
over their electric bill. The rate incentivizes customers to do
certain tasks – such as charge their electric vehicle – at times of
the day when demand for electricity is low.
- Greening the company's fleet. Dominion Energy is
reducing emissions from its light duty vehicle fleet by investing
in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Additionally, the company
is installing electric vehicle charging at its office locations and
has incentives for employees who want to purchase an electric
vehicle.
- Debuting an electric, self-driving shuttle that makes a
loop between the Dunn Loring Metro Station and Mosaic District in
Fairfax, Va. The project is the
first state-funded test of autonomous public transportation in
Virginia and is in partnership
with Fairfax County.
To learn more about electric transportation, visit Dominion
Energy's Virginia EV website and South Carolina
EV website.
About Dominion Energy
More than 7 million customers in
16 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity
or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered
in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable,
reliable, affordable and safe energy and to achieving net zero
carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and
gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit
DominionEnergy.com to learn more.
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SOURCE Dominion Energy