Charging into the Future

More drivers are plugging in.

According to Inside EVs, a popular website for electric vehicle (EV) news and information, 2017 was the best year for EV sales. With nearly 6,500 new EVs on the road in Wisconsin this year, we're starting to see an increase in available charging options for drivers who prefer to plug in.

MGE's growing public charging network

MGE continues to add public chargers to its local network, which is powered by 100% renewable electricity produced by wind farms in Wisconsin and Iowa. The new stations located at Ho-Chunk Gaming in Madison and Kelley's Market in Middleton bring the total number to 30. This includes three DC fast chargers, which can provide up to 100 miles of range per hour (RPH).  MGE is planning to install even more stations in the Madison area in the near future .

Other businesses in the Madison area, including Hy-Vee, Pick 'n' Save and the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace also have installed public charging stations. Resources like plugshare.com offer drivers the ability to find and review nearby stations. Drivers can filter the stations by location, plug-type and network, and see feedback from previous drivers who have used the station. Finding a charger has never been easier.

Driving it home

According to some analysts, EVs will make up 54% of new car sales globally by 2040Charge@Home, MGE's new home charging program, makes it easy for EV drivers to charge efficiently at their home, which is where 80% of drivers plug in. With Charge@Home, MGE installs Level 2 charging stations at customers' homes for a monthly fee plus the cost of electricity.

Finding charging solutions for apartment and condo residents also is important. MGE has partnered with local apartment complex managers to install EV charging stations. Resources like abodo.com/madison-wi offer renters an option to find available apartments where charging is offered. Prospective renters are able to use a filter to identify multifamily buildings with charging stations.

MGE also works to educate condo associations and owners about multiple solutions to help them address the needs of residents who want to charge at home. Watch the following video to see how.

BG3j1RMJGmw

Partnering to offer new technologies

Collaborating with our customers and local businesses supports our Energy 2030 objective of offering customers new technology options to create a more sustainable energy future. Partnerships like these help us learn how to manage the impact of EV charging on our distribution system while continuing to meet our customers' needs.

published: Mar-02-2018