Consumers Energy expects to power 1,500 more EV fast-charging stations through 2030

Jackson-based Consumers Energy projects the company will power 1,500 new fast-charging stations for electric vehicles in Michigan by the end of 2030. Company officials say the projection is based on market trends for electric vehicle purchases in Michigan.

The forecast is part of Consumers' Transportation Electrification Plan (TEP). In Michigan, there were 311 public direct current (DC) fast-charging stations (stations with 75 kilowatts per hour capacity) as of April, according to data compiled by the Anderson Economic Group. The state has a goal of 100,000 EV chargers being publicly accessible by 2030, and Consumers officials say each expected charging station will have four or more individual chargers.

“We know electric vehicles are good for the planet and they’re a good experience for drivers,” Consumers Vice President of Customer Experience Lauren Snyder said in a news release. “We also know we’re taking the right steps to speed up Michigan’s EV transformation in a way that helps the grid and lowers costs for everyone. Whether you drive an EV or not, you come out ahead.”

Consumers, like all private utility companies in the state, is regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). Regulatory approval to install the fast-charging stations is not needed, a Consumers' spokesperson said, but the MPSC will have to sign off on the company offering any rebates to businesses looking to install charging stations. Consumers has offered 135 rebates for fast-charging stations so far.

Last year, the company launched a rebate program for charging stations focused on overnight charging at apartment and condominium complexes, which officials say allows for charging to take place outside of peak-energy usage hours.

Most EV charging takes place at home, the company says, but having publicly accessible charging stations will help bolster confidence for EV drivers making long trips. DC fast chargers can power an electric vehicle to 80% capacity in 20 minutes to an hour, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The average range for a model year 2023 EV was 270 miles on a single charge, fuel economy estimates found.

In 2023, there were around 45,600 electric vehicle registrations in Michigan, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com.