Michigan Receives $1.8 Million in Federal Funding to Increase Reliability and Accessibility of Existing EV Chargers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
Jan. 18, 2024
Contact: Michiganinfrastructure@michigan.gov

Michigan Receives $1.8 Million in Federal Funding to Increase Reliability and Accessibility of Existing EV Chargers Investing in Michigan’s Charging

Investing in Michigan’s Charging Infrastructure Paves the Way for a More Sustainable
Transportation Landscape for All Communities

LANSING, Mich.— The Michigan Infrastructure Office today announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has received a $1.8 million Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program grant to repair or replace broken electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the state. This funding will support Michigan’s transition to EVs and help the state meet the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

“Electric vehicle drivers deserve chargers that reliably power up their vehicles. This Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant from the Biden administration prioritizes getting out-of-service chargers back online, lowering costs for drivers.” said Zachary Kolodin, chief infrastructure officer and director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. “I applaud this fiscally prudent investment, which will give EV owners confidence that they can charge up anywhere in the state of Michigan.” 

MDOT will use the funds to repair or replace up to 172 chargers at 105 locations across Michigan. Sites that receive these grants must complete their work on the chargers within 12 months of getting the funds.

“Our efforts to build Michigan's electric vehicle infrastructure are geared toward meeting the growing demand and facilitating a smooth transition to an electrified future,” said MDOT Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “Just as filling up your gas tank is a routine and effortless task, we envision charging your electric vehicle to be just as easy and convenient. We are excited to work with private-industry partners to expand the state’s charging network and provide Michiganders with the infrastructure needed to power their electric vehicles, creating a more sustainable mobility network for generations to come.” 

The Biden-Harris Administration announced up to $100 million in federal funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and its support from members of the Michigan congressional delegation, to help states repair and replace existing but non-operational electric vehicle charging infrastructure along the nation’s highways and in communities. This funding complements hundreds of billions in private sector investments, supports good-paying jobs across the country installing, maintaining, and repairing EV infrastructure, and makes the nation’s current charging network more reliable.

“It should be as easy to charge your electric vehicle as it is to fill up at the gas station. Under President Biden’s leadership, I worked hard with many of my colleagues in Congress to secure this funding, which will go a long way to make EVs practical and accessible to more Americans,” said U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell. To keep Michigan at the forefront of auto innovation and technology, we must invest in the necessary infrastructure to support the transition to EVs and clean energy. I will continue to work in Congress, with Governor Whitmer, and leaders at every level to bring these investments to our state and to strengthen Michigan’s position as a global leader in auto innovation and technology.”

Michigan has secured more than $150 million through Charge Up Michigan and the BIL to build Michigan’s electric vehicle charging network, which now includes more than 2,600 EV chargers.

For more information about MIO, please visit www.michigan.gov/whitmer/issues/michigan-infrastructure-office.

ABOUT THE MICHIGAN INFRASTRUCTURE OFFICE

The Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO) is responsible for organizing and executing Governor Whitmer’s vision for infrastructure, coordinating across state government, marshaling resources, and partnering with local officials, federal partners, and outside stakeholders to ensure resources sent to Michigan through BIL, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), are used efficiently and effectively.