Duke Energy has secured approval from the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) for two electric transportation (ET) pilot programmes to support the increasing electric vehicle (EV) market of the southeastern US state.

The programmes, which are due to start on 1 January 2021, were originally proposed in 2018 after feedback sessions from Duke Energy Carolina and Duke Energy Progress stakeholders to strengthen EV infrastructure across Duke’s service area over three years.

The company’s fast charging programme includes the installation of 60 fast chargers of 100kW across Duke Energy Carolinas’ and Duke Energy Progress’ territory.

On the other hand, Duke’s residential EV charging programme will grant 400 territory residents $1,000 to install a Level 2 charging station at their home.

Duke Energy’s South Carolina president Mike Callahan said: “Electric vehicles are coming to South Carolina, but more investment is needed to grow the adoption of this evolving technology and the benefits it brings to the state.

“We’re listening to our customers to ensure we understand their electrification plans and needs. These pilot programmes will help prepare us to meet the challenge to ensure we can keep up with increasing demand for electrification.”

The two programmes in South Carolina join others that Duke Energy planned or implemented across the states it serves.

By 2030, Duke Energy plans to convert all its light-duty vehicles to electric and 50% of its medium-duty, heavy-duty and off-road vehicles to EV, plug-in hybrids or other zero-carbon alternatives.