LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Michigan Infrastructure Office is investing over $20 million in EV chargers across the state. The funds come from both federal and state programs that seek to build out the necessary resources to support electric vehicles.
The Michigan Department of Transportation has awarded $23 million to the Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO). The plan is to install 41 fast charging stations along alternative fuel corridors in the state to support EV drivers. Zach Kolodin, MIO’s Director said the project will put fast chargers every 50 miles along the major transportation corridors in the state.
It’s all a part of President Biden’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program or NEVI. The U.P. will receive six stations, five along US-2, and one on I-75.
“It’s a great way to knit the state highway network together for EV owners and make sure there are no gaps for electric vehicle owners,” Kolodin said. “We’ll have expanded access to the Upper Peninsula and all of the wonderful things that it has to offer.”
Each station will include at least four fast-charging ports, designed to target long-distance commuters and travelers, Kolodin said filling out these corridors is one of the first steps in the state’s goal to reduce range anxiety. He explained that once the state has deployed the first round of charging stations, the Infrastructure office has the flexibility to use the remaining funding in other ways.
Yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced another $125 million investment from the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund to launch a battery and advanced manufacturing challenge. Kolodin said this challenge is a key part of advancing the states’ green and clean energy goals, supporting new projects surrounding EVs, and encouraging key developments for green technology.
“It’s a really important technology and it’s really important not only that we build it here, but that we figure out ways to make that technology more efficient, effective, and lower costs for everyone so that everyone can access the benefits,” Kolodin said. “If you’re an EV owner you can be confident that you can get basically anywhere you want in the state of Michigan without fear of not encountering a fast charger and be able to continue your trip.”
The NEVI program will eventually add another $110 million to continue building out the state’s alternative fuel corridor.
