Six of the eastern US’s largest major utilities have announced a plan to develop a seamless network of DC fast charging stations connecting major highway systems from the Atlantic Coast through the Midwest and South, and into the Gulf and Central Plains regions.

The newly-formed Electric Highway Coalition is made up of American Electric Power, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Entergy, Southern Company and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The utilities are all taking steps to expand EV charging solutions within their service territories.

The goal of the effort is to provide drivers with convenient charging options that enable long distance EV travel. Coalition members are considering sites along major highway routes with easy highway access and amenities for travelers. The aim is to get drivers charged and back on the road in approximately 20-30 minutes.

The Electric Highway Coalition says that other utilities are welcome to join the group and extend the reach of the network. It also looks forward to working with other regional utility transportation corridor electrification initiatives.

“Together, we can power the electric road trip of tomorrow by ensuring seamless travel across a large region of the US,” said TVA CEO Jeff Lyash. “This is one of many strategic partnerships that TVA is building to increase the number of electric vehicles to well over 200,000 in the Tennessee Valley by 2028. EV adoption will spur jobs and economic investment in the region, keep refueling dollars in the local economy, reduce the region’s largest source of carbon emissions, and save drivers and businesses money.”

Sources: TVA, Electrek