Potomac Edison partners with Electric Auto Association to grow EV adoption

BY APRIL BOLDUC: PRESIDENT, ELECTRIC AUTO ASSOCIATION

The Electric Auto Association and Potomac Edison are embarking on a joint initiative to accelerate the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on Maryland roads. Through a Potomac Edison sponsorship, Western Maryland Electric Vehicle Association Chapter has been formed to educate the region about the benefits of driving electric. EV adoption in the state has already exceeded 2021 projections by almost 10,000 electric cars.

The new chapter will connect those interested in learning more about electric cars with every day EV drivers who can offer advice on how to charge their vehicles and reduce costs of electric vehicle ownership by participating in Potomac Edison’s EV Driven program.

Chapter outreach will focus on the Frederick and Hagerstown areas as well as Allegany and Garrett counties. The chapter will also seek members from customers of municipal systems in Western Maryland, including the Hagerstown Light Department, Thurmont Municipal Light Co., and Williamsport Municipal Electric Light System.

“Potomac Edison is committed to pursuing initiatives that will positively impact the state’s environment, and this is an exciting opportunity to support the continued adoption of electric vehicles in Maryland,” said James A. Sears, president of FirstEnergy’s Maryland operations. “The Electric Auto Association is a grassroots nonprofit with 100 chapters in communities across North America, and we’re excited to see one here in Western Maryland.”

“Potomac Edison’s EV Driven program makes electric vehicle adoption more accessible, convenient, and affordable in Maryland,” said Elaine Borseth, vice president of the Electric Auto Association. “They do this by offering public charging and incentives for residential and multifamily customers.”

To learn more about joining the Western Maryland Chapter, visit https://www.electricauto.org/westernmarylandeva.

Join us for a webinar will take place October 12 with the Maryland Multi-Housing Association to discuss how multifamily property owners can earn up to $20,000 in rebates toward the installation of charging stations at their communities.

EV Driven

Potomac Edison’s EV Driven program supports Maryland’s goal to reach 300,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025. Residential customers can receive a $300 charging rebate, and residents living in an apartment or condo can alert their property manager to a rebate for installing charging stations in multifamily communities—up to $5,000 per charging port with a site maximum of $20,000.

Other incentives for Maryland drivers include:

• Maryland Energy Administration EVSE Rebate Program of 40% up to $4,000 per charger

• Up to $7,500 federal tax credit

• Drive in the carpool lane with just 1 person

• Low maintenance

• Low electric fuel costs

To help ease range anxiety among the EV curious, Potomac Edison has also installed 19 charging stations with 33 total charging ports across its service area as part of the EV Driven program and will complete 59 stations by the end of 2025. For more information on EV Driven, visit potomacedison.com/evdriven or email evdriven@firstenergycorp.com.

Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), serves about 270,000 Maryland customers in all or parts of Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington counties.

The Electric Auto Association is North America’s leading volunteer organization that accelerates the adoption of EVs through more than 100 chapters that talk neighbor-to-neighbor at community events about the benefits of driving electric. For more information, visit electricauto.org.