Utility Sets Special Rate for Charging EVs
The state of Michigan and Detroit Edison believe they can alleviate those fears. The state government has allowed the power utility to set a special rate for charging EVs. The two are collaborating to gauge power use and customer habits, according to the Detroit News.
Detroit Edison, which supplies energy to 2.1 million homes mostly in southern Michigan, is searching for 2,500 early adopters of EVs to join the program. It will pay up to $2,500 per household toward the cost of installing a separate power meter and a 220-volt charging port. These ports can reduce the time to charge a Chevrolet Volt from eight hours to four hours.
The company will give EV owners two options for being billed for electricity: a lowered rate for charging during off-peak hours (9-11 p.m.) or a flat rate of $40 per EV per month.
As energy companies anticipate the large influx of power demand – GM and Nissan are expected to build 195,000 EVs a year by 2012 – the utilities are figuring out ways to encourage consumers to use electricity during-off peak hours. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the current U.S. grid can support 70 million EVs, but only if those EVs are plugged in during off-peak hours.
Utility Sets E-V Plug-in Price (The Detroit News)
