August 3, 2021

​FirstEnergy has joined the Electric Highway Coalition, a group of electric companies committed to growing electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions within their service territories and working together to ensure efficient and effective fast-charging deployment plans that enable long-distance EV travel, avoid duplication among coalition utilities and complement existing fast-charging sites.

“We look forward to working with the members of the Electric Highway Coalition to support a network of stations that provides convenient fast-charging options for EV drivers as they travel across major regions of the country,” said Meghan Beringer, director, Emerging Technologies Strategy. “Joining the EHC will help expand our ability to provide customers with opportunities to utilize electric vehicles in their everyday lives.”

Formed in March 2021, the Electric Highway Coalition (EHC) includes many of the nation’s leading utilities – serving more than 60 million customers. Members include American Electric Power, AVANGRID, Consolidated Edison, DTE Energy, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Entergy Corporation, Eversource Energy, Exelon, FirstEnergy, ITC Holdings Corp., National Grid, Southern Company and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

The Edison Electric Institute estimates 18 million EVs will be on U.S. roads by 2030. While many drivers recognize the benefits of driving an EV, some are concerned with the availability of charging stations during long road trips. Through their unified efforts, the members of the EHC are addressing this “range anxiety” and demonstrating to customers that EVs are a smart choice for traveling long distances as well as driving around town.

FirstEnergy is engaged in discussion with regulators and legislators in the states it serves to help support the expansion of EV infrastructure. Because utilities know the electrical grid better than other entities, companies like FirstEnergy are uniquely positioned to help ensure EV programs are effective from an operational and cost standpoint for customers.