95.3 / 88.5 FM Grand Rapids and 95.3 FM Muskegon
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Consumers Energy joins National Electric Highway Coalition

Consumers Energy logo
Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy

Fifty utilities assisting with infrastructure buildout supporting electric vehicles.

“Right now, we’ve got the birth of a national coalition.”

Over 50 energy providers are committing to electrifying the roads. Consumers Energy is one of them announcing it’s joined the National Electric Highway Coalition. Brian Wheeler is Media Relations Manager.

“Our major automakers have committed to offering up electric models across the board and we know that as that transition takes place, we have to make sure that we build the network in place.”

Consumers Energy is projecting one million electric vehicles on Michigan’s roadways by 2030. That represents about a quarter to a third of all cars and trucks allowing for the electric infrastructure to mature.

“We’ve put over 30 fast-charging locations and about 200 public charging locations right here in our state. And what we are saying collectively is that we are going to work to put electric charging stations for vehicles all over the country.”

Wheeler explains a strategic national network will provide electric vehicle drivers and owners with peace of mind on longer road trips.

Patrick joined WGVU Public Media in December, 2008 after eight years of investigative reporting at Grand Rapids' WOOD-TV8 and three years at WYTV News Channel 33 in Youngstown, Ohio. As News and Public Affairs Director, Patrick manages our daily radio news operation and public interest television programming. An award-winning reporter, Patrick has won multiple Michigan Associated Press Best Reporter/Anchor awards and is a three-time Academy of Television Arts & Sciences EMMY Award winner with 14 nominations.