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Lake Michigan Circuit

an orange sunset over the dark waters of lake michigan
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Lake Michigan Circuit

Contact

Jake Wilkinson
WilkinsonJ8@Michigan.gov
517-290-7995
The Lake Michigan Circuit is a multi-state initiative to build electric vehicle infrastructure along Lake Michigan to support coastal tourism. Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana are working together to create a scenic route with reliable charging stations along Lake Michigan’s 1,100 mile drivable coastline. The charging stations will be installed at recreational areas, hospitality businesses, and entertainment attractions to provide electric vehicle drivers a long-distance vacation opportunity free from range anxiety.

Webinar

Lake Michigan Circuit Webinar - November 13,2023

Webinar Recording

Eligibility Requirements

Public or private organizations that can host publicly accessible charging stations, can fulfill program priorities, and are enrolled in a utility rebate program are eligible to apply for this grant.

Program Priorities

Project selection is based on Michigan State University's Electric Vehicle Charger Placement Optimization in Michigan: Lake Michigan Circuit, which predicted the optimal number and placement of level 2 and DC fast chargers to provide charging infrastructure to support travel along the Lake Michigan Circuit.  

The Michigan Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Programs Map "Lake Michigan Circuit" layer shows which nodes are eligible for funding.

Funding Amount

The grant amount will be the lesser of 33.3% of the total cost or a direct match of the amount the electric utility is paying, up to $5,000 for level 2 chargers or up to $70,000 for DC fast chargers, and can only be used for costs directly related to the design, build, operation, and maintenance of charging infrastructure.

Grant awards will be distributed on a reimbursement basis only, meaning grantees must pay project costs in full prior to receiving funds from EGLE. EGLE will reimburse grantees their award amount once proper invoices, receipts, and proof of payments have been received and reviewed. 

Awardee Obligations 

  • Lake Michigan Circuit Sample Grant Agreement and Appendix
  • Provide monthly progress updates via email to the program coordinator as needed
  • Report charging session metrics
  • Provide documentation of project expenditures (e.g., invoices, receipts, and proof of payments)
  • Submit payment request via email to the program coordinator within 30 days of completing the project

Timeline

Application Posting Date October 5, 2023
Application Deadline January 31, 2024

Preparing Your Application 

There are several steps an applicant needs to take prior to submitting an application to this program, including: 

  • Verify your site is in an eligible location with the Michigan Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Programs Map. If you are not the owner of the site, a site host agreement must be secured. 
    NOTE - Only the nodes (i.e., blue diamonds) in the "Lake Michigan Circuit" layer with the "Number of Remaining Chargers Needed" listed as greater than 0 are open for funding through this program.
  • Connect with your utility provider to get a site assessment to determine if power upgrades are necessary. You will need a letter of support from your utility provider to be considered for funding. Several investor-owned utilities have rebates programs that can be used as matching funds:
  • Form your team
  • Secure a quote from your selected charger hardware and software provider 
  • Secure a quote from your selected installation and maintenance provider 
  • Prepare a draft site plan

Application Documents 

Additional Resources