DTE Energy in Detroit has announced that Charging Forward, its electric vehicle charging program, has approved 150 charger port rebates since its summer launch. The program was launched to increase electrical vehicle awareness while offering residential Level 2 charger rebates, public Level 2 rebates, and DC Fast Charging infrastructure enablement incentives across Michigan.
“DTE is pleased by the level of interest in Charging Forward from both residential and business customers,” says Camilo Serna, vice president of regulatory affairs at DTE Energy. “Supporting the deployment of charging infrastructure will help facilitate EV adoption and bring about the benefits of transportation electrification to all of Michigan’s residents.”
Depending on a vehicle’s model and power level, a Level 2 charger can provide around 10 to 20 miles after an hour of charging, and a DC Fast charger can provide around 150 to 210 miles after an hour of charging.
DTE’s program includes 14 $20,000 rebates for DC Fast chargers along Michigan highways; 75 $2,500 rebates for Level 2 chargers in public spaces, workplaces, and multi-unit dwellings; and 61 $500 rebates for residential EV owners who enrolled in a year-round electric rate and installed Level 2 chargers.
“We had been considering installing EV chargers in the future, but the rebate offered by DTE made the decision to do it now a no-brainer,” says Jeff Gosselin, property manager at Meadowbrook Medical in Novi, one of the first locations to use the program.
While this program increases support of charging infrastructure growth, it also encourages DTE residential customers to charge their EVs during off peak hours. Using off peak hours helps reduce electric generation costs and smooths the electric grid demand.
In addition, this program helps Michigan transportation companies obtain subsidies. Recently, DTE secured a near $14 million Federal Transit Administration Low-No Grant. This grant will deploy eight transit buses and charging ports for Blue Water Transit, DDOT and SMART.
Furthermore, DTE secured a Volkswagen Settlement Award of $1.5 million for four electric school buses in Ann Arbor and two in Roseville.
For interested customers, DTE provides a directory of residential and commercial electricians on its website to assist with the installation process. One such company includes Oak Electric, which has installed EV chargers at its own facility, as well as locations for several Charging Forward applicants.
Both residential and business customers can apply and gather more information on DTE’s sites.
