(WWJ/AP) Do you have the juice to drive along Michigan streets, roads and highways?
The state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) wants to make sure electric vehicle drivers in Michigan have enough places to plug in.
Nearly $1.7 million in EGLE Charge Up Michigan Program grants will partially fund 36 EV DC fast charging stations with a total of 76 plug-in points for automobiles and light-utility vehicles along well-traveled routes.
“Michigan is known for building America’s cars, and this commitment to future mobility infrastructure continues to keep us at the forefront of needed automotive innovation,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in a press release. “With partnerships like this between government and private industry, we will take actions that will have a positive and lasting environmental impact while improving transportation infrastructure.”
The total amount awarded by EGLE to the 24 grantees is $1,683,297.
Meijer got the biggest chunk, $187,102 for eight stations in Ann Arbor, Muskegon, East Lansing and Grand Rapids (See full list below).
“These grants show a commitment by EGLE, private businesses and Michigan utilities to expand the availability of electric vehicle chargers across the state and facilitate EV adoption among Michigan drivers,” EGLE Director Liesl Clark said. “This is a significant step toward an electrified transportation future that will keep Michigan in the forefront of cutting-edge mobility and writes another chapter in the state’s storied history of innovation in the transportation industry.”
The site owner, the electric utility that serves it and EGLE each will pay about a third of each station's cost which includes site preparation, equipment installation, networking fees and signage.
“EVs are expected to represent 33 percent of new vehicle sales by 2025, and 51 percent by 2030,” said Trevor Pawl, the chief mobility officer with the State of Michigan’s new Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. “EGLE’s investment in DC fast charging shows that Michigan is committed to remaining on the leading edge of EV growth globally. The Governor’s new Office of Future Mobility and Electrification will work with EGLE to build on the momentum this program has created.”
Grants worth up to $70,000 per charger station location are still available and applications must be submitted online at this link. For more information, contact the Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278 or check the Office of Climate and Energy webpage.