Installation of Nearly 60 EV Charging Stations Strengthens Maryland's Public Charging Network

When considering the purchase of an electric vehicle, one of the primary concerns for drivers is where they are going to charge it. Just a few years ago, electric vehicle drivers had to rely on having a charger at home due to limited public charging infrastructure. 

While at-home charging is still a convenient option, the public charging network has expanded tremendously, thanks to initiatives like Potomac Edison’s EV Driven pilot program. Under the program, Potomac Edison recently completed the installation of 59 public charging stations, including 20 fast-charging stations.

EV Driven was approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission in 2019 as part of a statewide effort to help make EV ownership easier and more accessible. The program also aims to benefit the state’s environment by reducing auto emissions and supporting Maryland's goal to reach 300,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025.  

View photos of the chargers  installed as a part of the EV Driven pilot program.

Expanding EV charging: In conjunction with the filing of its EV Driven semi-annual report with the Maryland Public Service Commission, Potomac Edison recently filed a proposal to begin the second phase of its EV Driven pilot. 

The proposal includes an extension for certain previously approved programs and requests approval to offer new EV programs to better align with current market conditions and support Maryland’s state policies promoting transportation electrification. 

If approved, the second phase of the program would offer the following benefits:

• Extension of the residential “EV Charger Time of Use” rates which provide customers who opt in with the opportunity to save on their electric bill by charging their vehicles during pre-determined off-peak hours. 

• Continued ownership and operation of public chargers installed during the first phase.

• Installation of additional chargers in underserved communities.

• Assistance for businesses, landlords and HOAs to provide EV charging.

• Local, state and federal fleet site assessments to inform customers about charging infrastructure.

• A grant assistance program to help customers leverage funding sources.

Charging stations are in use: According to company data, the EV chargers installed by Potomac Edison in the last four years are increasingly being used by the public, confirming the importance of the projects. 

“Not only are our charging stations conveniently located, but they also have an excellent track record for consistently delivering the service customers expect when they show up at one of our charging stations,” said Lindsey Wilkinson, FirstEnergy’s Director of Emerging Technology Program.

For example, just weeks after Potomac Edison’s latest charging stations were installed in Middletown, Maryland, at the end of 2023, data demonstrated that the charger was used daily by at least one person, and oftentimes more.

“We are proud to have teamed with Potomac Edison to support the EV drivers who live here and those who pass through the area,” said Paul Mantello, Middletown Town Administrator. “We chose the location near our town offices so people can shop or get something to eat while their vehicle charges.” 

For more information about Potomac Edison's EV Driven program, visit www.evdrivenpe.com.

News Media Contact: Hannah Catlett (440) 554-5346