DTE Energy Supports PEV Sales with Charging Stations

DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy wants to jump-start the adoption of electric vehicles in Southeast Michigan by providing free charging stations – a $2,500 value – to the first 2,500 Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) owners.

"The question isn't, 'Where can I recharge my PEV?' because it's now right there in your garage," said Trevor Lauer, DTE Energy vice president, Marketing & Renewables. "Our customers just need to decide what charging option meets their lifestyle needs and budget."

The first 2,500 PEV owners who sign up for a charging plan between now and December 2013, will receive up to $2,500 of the cost to purchase and install a 240-volt charging station. In most cases, that will cover the entire cost. A separate meter will track electricity used to charge PEVs.

Drivers can charge vehicles quickly and economically using DTE Energy's special pricing options, which enable off-peak charging at the lowest cost rates.

The electric vehicle rate is a separately metered time-of-day rate that offers lower prices for energy used between 11 p.m. and 9 a.m. Monday through Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday. Customers will save 40 percent off the regular residential rate and can expect to drive their vehicles for the equivalent of about $1 a gallon.

A pilot program that allows PEV drivers to charge their vehicles at any time for a flat rate of $40 per month is also available for up to 250 customers.

Visitors to the North American International Auto Show can visit the DTE Energy exhibit, called Powering Michigan's Future, which includes an interactive display that calculates actual savings by comparing your current vehicle to a PEV.

The exhibit also features DTE Energy's SmartCurrents program, which includes advanced electric and gas metering, smart appliances and in-home energy usage displays. The program will allow customers to monitor their energy usage, better control their energy consumption and ultimately, save money on their energy bills.

SOURCE DTE Energy