Michigan lawmakers introduce legislation to expand electric vehicle charging network

Michigan lawmakers introduced Wednesday legislation that would provide incentives and establish locations to support a statewide electric vehicle charging network.

The legislation consists of four bills, with support in both the House and Senate. Breaking them down, Senate Bill 406/House 4786 would create an Electric Vehicle Council under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Transportation, led by industry experts and designed to develop a statewide charging infrastructure plan. Senate Bill 408/House Bill 4787 would allow the government to install or lease space for EV charging stations at state park and rides. Senate Bill 407/House Bill 4788 would make similar allowances in state parks and allow them to generate revenue from it. Lastly, Senate Bill 409 and House Bill 4789 would provide incentives for small businesses and multi-unit housing for installation of EV charging stations.

“Michigan built the American automotive industry, but it’s an industry that’s changing more rapidly now than any other time before,” state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) said. No other state has the history, talent, and capability to design and build the next generation of electric vehicles, but we need to have the infrastructure in place to support that development. These bills encourage our state to create a collaborative and coordinated plan, working with private companies, small businesses, utilities, and various state departments to build out the state’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure, making Michigan the first fully networked state.”

McMorrow has been joined on the legislation by eight colleagues in the House and Senate. Support for the legislation has also come from outside the halls of the Legislature. Both the Detroit Regional Chamber’s economic development initiative — MICHauto — and groups like the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and the Michigan Environmental Council have been vocal in their support.

“Electric vehicles provide drivers with a cleaner, more affordable way to get around. As the auto capital, Michigan has the know-how to lead on policies that ensure the benefits of transitioning to EVs are accessible to everyone,” Charlotte Jameson, energy policy & legislative affairs director for the Michigan Environmental Council, said. “We thank the Republican and Democratic sponsors for putting forward bills that will promote the build-out of charging infrastructure and keep Michigan at the forefront of the automotive industry.”