Consumers Energy has committed to powering 1 million electric vehicles by 2030. The goal would put Michigan in the driver’s seat for the next generation of clean, zero-emissions vehicles and support the auto industry’s goal to have electric vehicles be 50% of new sales by 2030. The company says it is gearing up to support 1 million EVs in just the communities where it provides electricity, which means most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, excluding the Detroit area.
Today, there are about 12,000 registered EVs in Consumers Energy’s territory, and electric vehicle sales already have been growing by 20% annually. That growth should accelerate due to commitments by U.S. automakers that EVs will make up half of vehicle sales by 2030. Michigan has joined other states in regional and nationwide networks to build fast EV charging, a major step to encourage potential EV buyers.
Consumers Energy noted the following actions are playing a role in EV growth:
- Over 1,000 rebates for home, business and public charging stations through its PowerMIDrive program. Those include 30 fast-charging locations that can fully power an EV battery in less than an hour.
- Plans to power the growing demand for EVs, with 200 fast-charging locations – and over 2,000 chargers at homes and businesses – across Michigan over the next three years.
- PowerMIFleet, which provides Michigan businesses with expertise and guidance to electrify their vehicle fleets, as well as rebates for charging locations.
- The new Bring Your Own Charger program, allowing EV owners to receive energy savings and monthly rebates for charging at night.
- Nationally, there are more than 2 million electric vehicles on U.S. roads today, according to the Edison Electric Institute. That number should grow to 18.7 million by 2030, with EV sales expected to top 3.5 million per year.
Consumers Energy is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
