Michigan has launched its first EV charging station funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Grant program, located in Lansing. This marks the first step in Michigan’s share of the $110 million allocated for EV infrastructure as part of the NEVI program, a nationwide initiative under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The program aims to install up to 100 public charging stations in Michigan by 2026, with 74 already announced.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Michigan has 1,700 charging locations and 50,000 registered electric vehicles EVs, but to reach the state’s target of 2 million EVs by 2030, Michigan would need around 10,000 DC fast chargers and 90,000 Level 2 chargers.
Some critics, like Jase Bolger of the West Michigan Policy Forum, question the cost-efficiency of the program, arguing that the high costs of installation may not provide sufficient value for the investment.
Nationally, the NEVI program has seen limited progress, with 849 charging stations awarded but only 40 currently operational.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg defended the program, highlighting that the bulk of stations will be built later in the decade. However, experts like Aaron Viles of the Electrification Coalition emphasize that Michigan needs to take more decisive action to meet its EV goals.