Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, has launched a new programme featuring publicly available electric vehicle charging stations, rebates for residential and multi-family charger installations, as well as incentives for EV charging during off-peak hours.

As part of the programme, Potomac Edison will install 59 charging stations, including both Level 2 and DC Fast charging stations, which will be available for public use throughout its Maryland service area.

Charging station installations are planned to start in the coming weeks.

The programme also provides a US$300 rebate for qualified Level 2 EV charging stations for residential customers and a 50% rebate for the cost of qualified Level 2 and DC Fast charging stations at multi-family properties, up to US$5,000.

In addition, residential customers can sign up to earn gift card incentives for using their qualifying EV charging station during off-peak times.

"The EV Driven programme will help make electric vehicle charging in Maryland more accessible, convenient and affordable," said FirstEnergy Maryland Operations president, James Sears.

"We're excited to support Maryland's efforts toward electric vehicle adoption and to expand the charging station network as we continue providing safe, reliable and affordable service to our customers."

The pilot programme was approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission in January, 2019 and includes additional EV charging station installations from other Maryland utilities to support a State-wide effort towards reaching 300,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025.

Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, serves around 270,000 customers in seven Maryland counties.

FirstEnergy's ten electric distribution companies serve customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York.

The company's transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,500 miles of transmission lines which connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.