Duke Energy, a trailblazer in the energy sector, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Rental Program in North Carolina. This initiative aims to meet the rising demand for EVs by offering residential and business customers the opportunity to lease EV chargers at an affordable monthly cost, covering hardware, warranty, and maintenance.
The EV Charger Solution program, officially sanctioned by the North Carolina Utilities Commission last August, provides a diverse array of charger options, guiding customers through the selection process for charging stations. Duke Energy North Carolina President, Kendal Bowman, emphasized the company’s commitment to preparing for the EV transition, stating, “Duke Energy continues to prepare for the electric vehicle transition, as more customers consider and choose EVs. By offering a variety of charger solutions, we hope our customers feel confident that they have a choice to fit their needs, with the reassurance they can rely on our expertise for maintenance.”
Tailored for customers seeking the convenience of faster charging without the upfront purchase cost, the EV charger solution program offers residential options starting at approximately $14 per month. This includes a three-year rental term for a Level 2 charger, capable of fully recharging an all-electric vehicle within eight to ten hours. Non-residential options vary based on the charger, with a four-year rental term for a Level 2 charger or a seven-year rental term for a DC Fast Charger.
The program is especially advantageous for non-residential customers, including businesses and multifamily dwellings, as it streamlines the reliability and efficiency of maintaining chargers. It also enables these customers to showcase chargers as amenities without the typical initial capital outlay.
Duke Energy’s Charger Solution program aligns with North Carolina’s clean energy goals, which target 1.25 million EVs in the state by 2030. It follows a successful inaugural year for the Charger Prep Credit program, assisting over 6,000 North Carolinians in preparing for a Level 2 charger.
Both Charger Solution and Charger Prep Credit are integral components of Duke Energy’s ‘EV Complete’ suite of customer programs in North Carolina. Together, they facilitate a seamless transition to EVs by preparing homes for chargers and simplifying the decision-making process.
In addition to these programs, Duke Energy introduced a 12-month EV charging subscription pilot program last September – the Home Charging Plan. This program, currently closed to new enrollments, allows residential customers in North Carolina to charge an EV at home for a fixed monthly fee, contributing to effective grid management.
North Carolina stands as the first Duke Energy service territory implementing three core EV customer programs, showcasing the company’s commitment to providing a complete ecosystem for customers and managing electrical demand efficiently.
Lauding their approach, Lon Huber, Senior Vice President of Pricing and Customer Solutions, emphasized, “We develop our EV programs the same way we do all of our programs – with a customer-focused approach intended to serve their individual and business needs and lifestyles by offering a menu of options. A variety of programs not only benefits our customers, but it helps Duke Energy provide the reliability that our customers count on every day.”
As part of its strategic vision, Duke Energy is actively pursuing regulatory approval for similar programs across all its service areas, with a total of 17 active and approved EV programs and two pending approval.
