Liberty, other utilities, partner to create electric vehicle charging network

JOPLIN, MO – In a Memorandum of Cooperation announced today, Liberty has partnered with nine regional energy companies to build a network of Midwest electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by the end of 2022.

According to the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), more than 1.2 million electric vehicles are on U.S. roads today.  EEI forecasts this number to grow to 18.7 million by 2030.  A robust network of EV charging stations will be required to serve the needs of these drivers. Additionally, the Electric Power Research Institute forecasts automakers will produce more than 130 models by the end of 2022.

“Liberty is proud to focus on sustainability and clean energy options for the future,” said David Swain, Liberty Central Region President. “Our goal in participating in the Memorandum of Cooperation is to provide support to those who have already chosen to drive EVs and to those who are interested in switching to EVs. By expanding the charging network across the Midwest and working on localized EV programs, we’re meeting the needs of our customers now and supporting positive change for a lower carbon future.”

As part of its commitment to transportation electrification, Liberty intends to install 115 additional charging ports at publicly accessible locations. To date, Liberty has installed 30 charging ports at local public locations and an additional 38 ports at Liberty locations, some of which may be used by the public.

Liberty’s individual EV support programs are subject to regulatory approvals before implementation.

The Memorandum of Cooperation, a first-of-its-kind partnership, includes participation from the following electric utilities: Liberty, Ameren Illinois, Ameren Missouri, Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, Duke-Indiana, Evergy, MidAmerican, Midwest Energy, and Oklahoma Gas and Energy.