Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive directive Monday requiring the state departments and agencies to collaborate with the legislature to prepare the state to build up the electric vehicle infrastructure.
In anticipation of receiving billions in federal funds over the next five years, specifically for electric vehicles from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Whitmer’s directive is designed to support the state’s automotive industry while creating jobs and working to save drivers time and money.
“Right now, we have an historic opportunity to put Michiganders first and use the billions in funding we are expected to receive under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to save drivers time and money while creating good-paying clean energy jobs for Michiganders,” Whitmer said. “With this executive directive, we are getting ready to deliver critical resources to communities across Michigan, empowering them to build up electric vehicle charging infrastructure and help the state continue leading the future of mobility and electrification. This directive, along with ongoing tax credit incentives for consumers, will help boost Michigan’s economy as Michiganders continue purchasing electric vehicles and supporting the electrification of Ford, Stellantis, and GM. The new bipartisan infrastructure bill will build on work we have already done in this space and help us usher in a new era of prosperity for our state. I look forward to working with the legislature to invest these dollars and get the job done.”
The ED directs state departments to take action to build the future of mobility and electrification, including prioritizing in-state businesses and workers as the state builds up the electric vehicle charging infrastructure; helping local communities build electric vehicle chargers, pipes, high-speed internet, road, and other utilities more efficiently; working with the legislature to leverage incoming federal dollars; prioritizing Michigan’s advance mobility workforce; optimizing electric vehicle charging station placements; and working with utilities and other stakeholders to consider electric vehicle charging needs in new distribution system upgrades.
“This executive directive aligns with the strategies and investments of Michigan’s automotive industry partners, from established automakers and suppliers to emerging startups. And because of this alignment, it will create new opportunities for Michigan’s public and private sectors to collaborate. Working together is the only way to effectively build the charging infrastructure necessary to achieve electric vehicle adoption at scale,” said Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan. “Federal resources from this act will also be used to maintain Michigan’s role as the nucleus for high-tech electric vehicle production in America by preparing our state’s workforce for the high-wage clean energy jobs of the future.”