SMM: according to reports, DTE energy company (DTE Energy) and consumer energy company (Consumers Energy) have promised to work with four other energy companies to build a network of fast charging stations from Michigan to Kansas, so that electric car owners can drive long distances without having to worry about charging.

Experts say the lack of charging stations is one of the obstacles to limiting the sales of electric cars, and another problem is the charging time. Joining DTE and Consumer in the charging network partnership are Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, Oklahoma Gas and Energy and Evergy, which covers parts of Missouri and Kansas. Other companies have expressed interest and may join in.

There are currently 1.4 million electric vehicles in the United States, and the number is expected to grow to nearly 20 million by 2030, according to the Edison Electrical Association ((Edison Electric Institute,EEI). EEI predicts that a strong network of electric vehicle charging stations will be needed to serve these vehicles in the future.

"Consumer Energy is committed to building an electric vehicle charging network architecture for Michigan," Brian Rich, senior vice president of user experience, said in a statement. We know that we can provide charging services for more and more electric cars in the state, which is good for the Michigan economy, our community and the environment. "

Trevor Lauer, president and chief operating officer of DTE Electric, said DTE was doing everything it could to make electric cars a viable option for more people. "this commitment and our preferential policies for installing chargers for home or commercial electric cars show that DTE is focused on building greener transportation in the future," he said.

Consumer Energy's PowerMIDrive program also offers discounts for consumers who install electric car chargers in their homes, workplaces and public places; in 2019, DTE launched the Charging Forward program to encourage corporate customers to install, purchase and operate DC fast charging stations on major highways in southeastern Michigan.

The Michigan Department of the Environment (Great Lakes and Department of Energy) is also funding and drafting plans for statewide charging networks, according to Detroit Business.