Xcel Energy has announced plans to build on its clean energy leadership by investing more than $25 million to increase access to electric vehicles and help drivers and fleet operators start driving electric. In a filing with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Xcel Energy has announced a range of innovative programs that expand upon its vision for supporting the growth of EVs that will benefit drivers, customers, the environment, and the state.
“Xcel Energy is leading the way toward an electric vehicle future that is cleaner, more affordable and more convenient for all of us,” said Ben Fowke, chairman, president, CEO, Xcel Energy. “Our nation-leading clean energy initiatives – paired with advances in automotive and battery technology – have created a pathway to reduce carbon in significant and exciting ways. Today we are taking a big step forward to ensure our customers and communities realize the benefits of driving on clean, affordable electricity.”
“EVs present an opportunity to make the most of our clean energy investments while creating new and affordable options for our customers,” said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy-Minnesota. “Our plan is the culmination of months of research and discussions with stakeholders who are as invested in the future of EVs as we are. We look forward to giving drivers and fleet operators the knowledge, tools and options they need to go electric.”
Driving electric is good for both the environment and the pocketbook, because EVs charged on Xcel Energy’s system have about one-third the emissions of a gasoline powered vehicle at a cost equivalent to about $1 per gallon. EV owners can go even further by participating in the company’s Windsource program, charging with 100 percent wind power and zero emissions.
The planned initiatives and pilot programs Xcel Energy has announced will focus on three main areas: home charging, public charging, and fleet operations. The company’s goal is to test innovative EV services that can be expanded to all Minnesota customers over time.
Home charging
For residential customers, Xcel Energy will offer more solutions when it comes to home charging. Future options will include a new subscription service that will provide drivers with a set bill for EV charging and equipment each month. The company is also providing options that encourage drivers to charge their EVs overnight, when low-cost renewable energy is most available. Xcel Energy is also looking to offer dynamic digital tools that help customers understand all their options when it comes to vehicle choices, pricing options and charging solutions.
Public charging
As electric vehicles increase their driving range, Xcel Energy is working to build the necessary infrastructure for fast charging networks that allow people to quickly charge their EVs while they’re on the go. One proposed initiative is a fast charging corridor pilot that will leverage public and private funds to increase the availability of fast charging stations on highways and other major corridors.
The company is also working with the cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and has proposed a pilot to support a charging network for everyone who travels through the Twin Cities, including those who may not own vehicles. Through a partnership with HOURCAR, a local, independent, non-profit car sharing service, Xcel Energy will also support a new, all-electric one-way car sharing service and other innovative mobility services in the Twin Cities. This project will increase access to the benefits of electric transportation, especially those in low income, underserved communities.
Fleet vehicles
Through its initiatives and pilot programs, Xcel Energy plans to make it easier and more affordable for large fleet operators like Metro Transit, the Minnesota Department of Administration, and the City of Minneapolis to integrate electric vehicles into their fleets.
With Metro Transit, Xcel Energy plans to provide the electrical infrastructure needed to charge the first eight of Metro Transit’s electric buses. These new 60-foot articulated buses will serve the C-Line, a new rapid bus route connecting Brooklyn Center, north Minneapolis and downtown Minneapolis, beginning in 2019. Xcel Energy is also looking to provide charging infrastructure for 200 ports for the State of Minnesota’s fleet and 90 charging ports for the City of Minneapolis’s EV fleet.
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About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
