Kildee Announces $16 Million to Build Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Across Michigan

Statement

Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today announced $16,290,764 in federal funds for the state of Michigan to build public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. These federal funds will create good-paying Michigan jobs building a reliable and accessible network of EV charging stations that will make electric vehicles more convenient and help ensure Michigan--not China--is the global leader in automotive innovation.

"I was proud to help pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which makes the most significant federal investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure ever. With these funds, more people will be able to access charging stations and drive electric vehicles with confidence. Building charging stations will put Michiganders to work in good-paying jobs that help grow our economy," said Congressman Kildee.

The federal funds, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration, are available as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and can be used to install, operate and maintain EV charging stations, construct traffic control devices, signage at charging stations and forecast needs for future EV charging station locations.

This 2022 funding represents the first installment of five yearly investments in Michigan's EV infrastructure. This announcement marks the launch of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and marks the largest investment in EV infrastructure in American history--with $7.5 billion in federal grants to build out a nationwide EV charging network.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Michigan currently has 769 public EV charging stations--a fraction of what's needed to meet anticipated demand. Nationwide, some consumers are hesitant to purchase an electric vehicle because they're concerned about access to charging. The bipartisan infrastructure law will help build a nationwide network of 500,000 EV chargers in public places like rest stops, government buildings and parks. According to the Economic Policy Institute, expanding EV charging stations will help to create 166,860 jobs nationwide over the next decade.

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