JACKSON, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Consumers Energy announced on Wednesday, July 12 a new effort to install EV chargers at apartment buildings, condominiums and overnight community locations across the state.
According to a news release from the utility company, Consumers Energy’s PowerMIDrive program is set to actively focus on providing rebates for EV chargers at apartments and other multifamily locations where vehicle owners need to charge their vehicles overnight.
“Consumers Energy is driven to provide solutions that accelerate the growth of EVs, as we plan to power up to 1 million carbon-free vehicles on Michigan roads by 2030,” said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience. “By focusing on multifamily and community charging, we’re adding another piece of the puzzle that removes barriers for drivers making the switch to EVs.”
The new multifamily EV charging program offers $7,500 rebates to encourage property owners to invest in overnight charging for their tenants. The community charging pilot will provide a $7,500 rebate to 25 Michigan municipalities that install a charger in public parking lots or curbside locations, with a focus on places within one block of multifamily properties.
“Consumers Energy is committed to making EV ownership and charging available to everyone,” said Snyder. “That includes providing equitable access to EV charging for renters and tenants who might not have a private garage to power up at home.”
Consumers officials say electric vehicle sales continue to accelerate in Michigan with the number of EVs in communities that Consumers Energy serves tripling since the end of 2020, according to publicly available numbers from the Michigan Secretary of State.
Consumers Energy has installed nearly 4,000 EV chargers for homes, businesses and along roads across the Lower Peninsula to include nearly 40 fast chargers that can power an EV battery in a half hour.
“We’re taking steps today to make sure we make our state’s EV transformation a natural one for Michiganders,” said Snyder. “We’re helping our EV drivers take advantage of the lowest rates, find convenient charging locations, and get the information they need from our advisors. It’s all about helping Michigan get ready for the next generation of clean transportation.”
