DTE Energy said it plans to jump-start the adoption of electric vehicles in southeast Michigan by providing free charging stations to the first 2,500 plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) owners.

The PEV owners, who sign up for a charging plan between now and December 2013, will receive up to $2,500 of the cost to purchase and install a 240-volt charging station.

According to the company, a separate meter will track electricity used to charge PEVs.

A pilot program that allows PEV drivers to charge their vehicles at any time for a flat rate of $40 per month is also available for up to 250 customers.

Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, DTE Energy is involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide.