Michigan received access to $13 million in funding to support the development of the Mobility Charging Hub.
Last week, the state of Michigan announced they will be implementing a prototype program that will help companies transition their fleets to electric commercial vehicles.
They will also test new technologies, digital services, and business models that are designed to accelerate the deployment of commercial EVs.
The same funding will also be used to secure partnerships with companies who will assist with testing as well as implementation for solutions related to EV innovation.
Initial project partners include Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) and DTE Energy.
“Freight trucks drive commerce, deliver goods and connect businesses throughout the nation, which is why it is critical to prepare this industry for the future,” said Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.
“Our Mobility Charging Hub will help more companies electrify their fleets, cement Michigan’s leadership in the future of freight, and rebuild our transportation infrastructure to support the economy of tomorrow. Over the past five years, our administration has made progress investing in infrastructure and positioning Michigan as the best place to innovate the future, and we are taking that one step further with this ‘truck stop of the future.’ We will work with anyone to ensure more innovators and companies can make it in Michigan.”
Where the truck stop will be located has yet to be determined, but experts have noted that a DTNA multi-acre near I-96 is the ideal location.
This Redford facility sees more than 10,000 medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles on a daily basis. This area already possesses the necessary power required for the Mobility Charging Hub.
The Mobility Charging Hub will take on solutions development through several phase-based initiatives. In the first phase, the core infrastructure to support EV charging at the site will be established as a foundation.
DTE will operate the core infrastructure of the Mobility Charging Hub, including EV charging solutions, solar canopies and battery energy storage systems, and will look to partner with third-party operators for value-added services.
Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity did receive $8.5 million in federal funding support from Rebuilding America Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE).
Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) plans to establish a grant program through the Mobility Charging Hub that will help fund future endeavors.
