Among the locations for fast electric charging outlets in the state, only one is targeted for the Downriver area.
Zourob Enterprises, a convenience store/gas station at 35426 Goddard, received $50,000 of the more than $1.8 million in grant funding available for a station within the state.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Friday that Romulus will receive a slice of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s ‘Charge Up’ grant funding.
The grants make it possible to install fast charging stations for private and commercial electric vehicles.
Locations approved for the grant are generally ones that are easily accessible to traffic, especially those along key travel routes.
Whitmer said Michigan put the world on wheels and will continue driving the world forward by leading on mobility and electrification.
““These grants demonstrate our commitment to expanding electrical vehicle infrastructure across Michigan and build on the extraordinary work and investments of our innovative industry partners and EGLE to help support drivers who make the transition to electric vehicles,” the governor said.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-12th District), also found the selection of the Romulus business to be good news not only for Romulus, but also the state and country.
She said it’s critical that the United States accelerates the deployment of electric vehicles, and charging infrastructure to remain on the forefront of innovation and global competitiveness.
“Michigan’s commitment to the expansion of charging sites is a great start, but we need strong federal leadership and investments to continue building even further on these efforts if electric vehicles are going to take hold as the vehicles of the future,” she said in a statement. “Investing in both electric vehicles and charging stations nationwide will help create jobs, reduce costs, and decarbonize the economy, while decreasing range anxiety and improving accessibility to all communities long-term.”
EGLE Director Liesl Clark believes by adding another 88 chargers – with commitment from private industry, utilities and state support – builds needed infrastructure for Michigan’s mobility evolution.
Clark called it “an exciting time for the driving public” as auto manufacturers and utilities in Michigan embrace the move to a cleaner mobility technology.
“The charger installations work hand-in-hand with EGLE’s support for an advanced mobility future, catalyst communities program to help municipalities prepare for the impacts of climate change and the Council on Climate Solutions’ work in developing the MI Healthy Climate Plan,” Clark said.
Charge Up Michigan offers up to $70,000 per charging station to public or private entities in partnership with a host site and the utility that serves the area.
EGLE, the grant recipient and utility each pay a third of the cost for site preparation, charger installation, connections to the electrical power grid, signage and network fees.
According to Nick Assendelft, media relations and public information for EGLE, establishments must be enrolled in a utility program with their energy provider, DTE Energy in the case.
He said there is still grant money available for this area and encourages businesses to consider applying for it.
The program aims to build the infrastructure for DC fast charging stations in Michigan to ensure feasibility of all long-distance trips for electric vehicle users within the state, and also to neighboring states and Canada.
