Alliant Energy joins 10 other utilities in EV charging expansion effort for Midwest
A coalition of utilities dedicated to expanding electric vehicle charging options across the American Midwest, led by Ameren, added its newest member during National Drive Electric Week in the form of Alliant Energy.
For Ameren, it’s a natural evolution from a 2020 move to collaborate with other Midwest energy companies for creation of a large network of electric vehicle charging stations. With its signature on a Memorandum of Cooperation, however, Alliant has pledged to further extend that infrastructure network and bolster the growth of cleaner electric vehicles.
“Alliant Energy strives to be a leader in electrification initiatives and embraces innovative opportunities, like this one,” Terry Kouba, president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company, said. “Collaborations such as these enhance our purpose-driven strategy to serve customers and build stronger communities. Between our electric vehicle goal to have 100 percent of our active light-duty fleet vehicles electric by 2030 and now with our participation in the Midwest EV Charging Corridor Coalition, it’s just one more way we are driving toward a more sustainable future that benefits everyone.”
The companies estimate that to date, approximately two million electric vehicles coast U.S. roads, but that figure is expected to rapidly expand to 18.7 million by the end of the decade. Growth of that magnitude requires support, and the Ameren-led coalition estimates some 9.6 million public charging stations will be needed. In contrast, approximately 100,000 stations exist currently.
“A key to increasing adoption of electric vehicles is to give motorists confidence that convenient charging stations will be available for travel throughout the Midwest,” Richard Mark, chairman and president of Ameren Illinois, said. “Adding Alliant Energy to our coalition demonstrates that energy companies are united in our efforts to help prepare our customers for the transition to a cleaner and greener future.”
Other participants in the coalition include Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, as well as Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, Duke-Indiana, Evergy, Liberty Utilities, MidAmerican Energy, Midwest Energy, and Oklahoma Gas and Electric. Together, they intend to have necessary charging infrastructure in place by the end of 2022. Any utility programs they launch in support of their shared memorandum will, regardless, be subject to regulatory approvals.
