In what may be the first step in a long series of strides to provide power to electric vehicles (read: Chevy Volt), Michigan utility regulators have approved the state’s first-ever trial program for residential customers to charge electric vehicles.
The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved an application from Detroit Edison, a part of DTE Energy, that would allow the utility company to evaluate the effect of electric vehicles (EVs) on its infrastructure.
The experimental program offers 2,500 customers a choice of two options: a lower off-peak rate or a flat monthly fee of $40 per vehicle.
As part of the program, which runs through December 31, 2012, DTE Energy will pay up to $2,500 for a charging station hooked up to an independent circuit or for the station’s installation.
The GM Authority Take
This is rather significant. How come? Well, up until this point, we’ve had no shortage of announcements related to the actual technology inside EVs. What we haven’t seen, however, are details about the ways in which said EVs will be charged once they’re driven from the dealership and into the driveway and/or garage of the buyer. While the Chevrolet Volt was not mentioned in the announcement by name, we’re sure you can image what vehicle this program is targeting.
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