There are currently over 140,000 level 2 and DC fast EV charging stations deployed across the United States. According to an S&P Global study, to support the expected 7.8 million electric vehicles on U.S. roads by 2025, we will need 700,000 Level 2 and 70,000 DC fast chargers
Earlier this year, Clean Fuels Michigan and 25 partners sent a letter to Michigan legislators to support state budget investments in electric vehicle charging. A Michigan Electric Vehicle Charging program would provide $65 million to deploy DC fast chargers to address medium and heavy-duty vehicle charging needs, along with residential chargers.
There are a few key reasons for Michigan to invest in public EV charging:
- Invest in Michigan Communities and Fleets: Commercial vehicles and community charging are both areas that greatly impact the economy and Michiganders’ quality of living. Freight is a crucial economic engine in Michigan, in addition to being a major contributor to harmful air pollution. Our infrastructure must be sufficient to allow safe and easy travel across and through the state in clean vehicles for individuals and fleets. This funding will power up Michigan’s homes and buildings for the EV transition.
- Position Michigan to Win Competitive Funds: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) created a $2.5 billion competitive fund for EV charging grants. The most competitive projects will have a significant funding match. Setting aside excess general funds to support Michigan-based charging projects will make Michigan more competitive for these limited federal funds.
- Fill in Gaps in Federal Funds: The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI) and other programs from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act present historic investments in infrastructure for clean mobility. Still, these programs will not be enough to ensure all Michigan communities are ready to transition to electric and alternative fuel vehicles.
- Charge Up Michigan Communities’ EV Transition: Lack of access to charging is the most cited reason for not converting to an EV. We need to ensure that Michiganders who rent or rely on public infrastructure for charging for other reasons have access to charging stations. This program presents a significant opportunity to accelerate the adoption of EVs that will protect Michigan’s air quality while safeguarding Michigan’s jobs in the transportation sector.
With budget negotiations underway, the electric vehicle charging program is currently being funded at $55 million in the House and $40 million in the Senate’s proposed budget. Ensuring that this program receives the full $65 million as recommended in the Governor’s budget proposal is a critical step to ensure that Michigan is prepared for a future of clean transportation.
It’s time to connect Michiganders to the newest technology to improve air quality, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and meet our economy’s transportation needs.
