Summary
– Michigan aims to lead in electrified transportation by developing thousands of charging ports for all modes of conveyance
– The state plans to have 100,000 public EV charging ports by 2030 to serve 2 million electric vehicles
– Michigan has received $110 million from the NEVI program to help build a national EV charging network
– The state is working on wireless EV charging on roadways and partnering with companies like Polaris to bring charging to remote areas
– Michigan is also focusing on workforce development through programs like the Michigander Scholars Program to support the transition to electric mobility
Article
Michigan is positioning itself as a key leader in the push toward electrified transportation by developing thousands of charging ports to serve all modes of conveyance on roadways, in the air, and on water. This initiative is part of a larger strategy that includes workforce development and the creation of public policies that encourage and incentivize the shift toward electric vehicles. Justine Johnson, senior vice president and chief mobility officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, spoke about the state’s electrified transportation vision and strategy, emphasizing the importance of mobility in moving people, goods, and information across various modes of transportation.
Michigan aims to have 100,000 public EV charging ports in operation by 2030 to serve the anticipated 2 million electric vehicles in the state. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program has awarded Michigan $110 million to help establish a national EV charging network, with $23 million of the funding already dispersed. The state recognizes the importance of building out charging infrastructure to support the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, as evidenced by the growing trend of over 1.6 million light-duty electric vehicles sold in the United States last year. Michigan plans to transition its entire fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2040 to align with the overall trend toward mobility electrification.
Michigan stands out as the first state to offer wireless EV charging on a roadway, conducting a five-year pilot project with Electreon to deploy the infrastructure necessary for in-road charging. This pioneering work in Michigan could pave the way for other regions to adopt similar technologies and advance the future of mobility. Collaborating with companies like Polaris, Michigan is ensuring that charging infrastructure is accessible not only in urban areas but also in remote locations like state and national parks. The state’s commitment to providing widespread charging access reflects its comprehensive approach to supporting electric vehicles across diverse communities.
In addition to infrastructure development, Michigan is focusing on workforce development within the EV industry through programs like the Michigander Scholars Program. Developed in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and universities, this initiative aims to train and equip individuals with the necessary skills to pursue careers in the electric mobility sector. Greg McGuire, managing director of Mcity at the University of Michigan, highlights the success of these programs in attracting students interested in EV technology and creating a skilled workforce to drive innovation in the industry. Through training and apprenticeship opportunities, Michigan is cultivating a future workforce that can support the state’s transition to electric mobility.
By investing in electrified transportation infrastructure, workforce development, and public policy initiatives, Michigan is positioning itself as a leader in the electrification of transportation. The state’s ambitious goal of transitioning its entire fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2040 demonstrates its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. Michigan’s collaboration with industry partners, such as Electreon and Polaris, showcases a multi-faceted approach to building a robust EV ecosystem that caters to diverse transportation needs. Through strategic planning and innovative projects like wireless EV charging on roadways, Michigan is setting a precedent for other states to follow in advancing the adoption of electric vehicles and supporting the growth of the electric mobility industry.
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