DTE Energy expands electric vehicle push with Charging Forward program
DTE Energy recently released a new “Charging Forward” program to promote electric vehicles in Michigan, coming at the issue through a mix of rebates, customer education efforts and a charging infrastructure push.
“Customer surveys tell us that more people are likely to use EVs if they can easily obtain chargers and feel confident that they will find locations to charge along their routes,” Camilo Serna, DTE’s vice president of Corporate Strategy, said. “Charging Forward will provide the infrastructure to make drivers feel more secure by removing both these obstacles.”
Incentivization efforts will include a $500 rebate to any residential customer who either purchases or leases a new or used electric vehicle, installs a qualified Level 2 charger and consequently enrolls in a special rate. Business customers will also be encouraged through a $2,500 incentive per port and $20,000 per charger for installation of Level 2 or DC Fast Chargers. Such users will also be encouraged to use these chargers during off-peak hours to reduce grid-strain.
DTE especially wants to further access to charging in public areas. They have partners in GM and Ford to test tools that will enable more grid-friendly features for EV charging.
“Charging Forward is a positive step for advancing EV infrastructure in Michigan,” Mike Ableson, vice president of EV Infrastructure for General Motors, said. “GM congratulates and supports the leadership demonstrated by DTE to help customers realize the benefits of EVs and reduce barriers to EV adoption. The Charging Forward program will help make driving a Chevrolet Bolt or other EVs more convenient than ever before.”
The Charging Forward program is a further extension of DTE’s stated goal to reduce its carbon emissions by at least 80 percent by 2040.
