Contact: Noah Barnes, Electrification Coalition
noah@electrification.org, (202) 461-2371
LANSING, MICH.—Local, state, and national leaders gathered in Lansing to highlight how federal investments in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure strengthen Michigan’s economy, expand consumer choice, lower transportation costs, and enhance America’s energy security.
Hosted by the Electrification Coalition (EC), the event showcased how federal programs such as the Charging & Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program are helping build a convenient and reliable charging network across Michigan while supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and ensuring the state remains a leader in the future of transportation. However, as Congress considers the next highway bill, these programs, created under the 2021 highway bill, are at risk.
Speakers highlighted the Michigan Capitol Area Regional EV Charging Gateway Initiative, which was awarded an $8 million CFI grant to deploy up to 50 publicly accessible EV charging stations throughout Lansing and the Mid-Michigan region. The initiative is a public-private partnership among local governments, regional planning organizations, utilities, schools, and state agencies working together to expand charging access and support economic growth.
However, Lansing has received only $4 million of the $8 million project, and other CFI projects in the state have not received awarded funding, due to administration efforts to block funding for EV charging. These funds should be delivered to Michigan communities and continued in the next highway bill.
The event also recognized Michigan’s first federally funded NEVI fast-charging station, located at the South Lansing Meijer near Interstate 96. Since opening in December 2024, the site has demonstrated how federal investments are helping provide drivers with more convenient charging options while supporting economic growth.
“We need the federal government to continue its commitment to transportation electrification so consumers can save money, American industries can grow and create jobs, and the United States can protect its economic and national security,” said Aaron Viles, Senior Director of Campaigns, Electrification Coalition. “If we do not embrace transportation electrification, we risk losing the auto sector that has powered Michigan for decades.”
“The federal government awarded $8 million to the City of Lansing and our partners, and we’re looking at this as a regional network,” said Andy Kilpatrick, Public Service Director, City of Lansing. “Over the next several years, we hope to implement a mix of fast chargers and Level 2 chargers across the region to ensure that residents, businesses, and visitors have reliable access to charging.”
“Michigan is not only adopting this technology; we are creating it, building it, and advancing it,” said Kristin Shaw, Program Manager, Smart Cities and Communities, NextEnergy. “In order for Michigan to remain a leader in the future of mobility, we need continued investment and continued partnership between communities, industry, and government.”
“Despite all of the challenges and headwinds, Michigan is making tremendous progress in deploying EV charging infrastructure,” said Shafiq Bari, Director of Mobility Policy, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “We have already achieved fully built-out status for our highway corridors under NEVI, and we now have the opportunity to focus on bringing charging infrastructure into communities across the state where people live, work, and travel.”
“The [federal] funding has really helped give us a boost,” said Anthony Cacaj, Vice President, Red E Charge. “We will continue building charging infrastructure, but at a much slower pace without programs like NEVI and CFI. These investments aren’t just helping deploy chargers, they’re helping create jobs, support manufacturing, and build a charging network that consumers can rely on.”
“Federal funding has allowed Michigan to expand charging infrastructure into more communities across the state, including rural areas,” said Justin Carpenter, Director of Policy, Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. “Those investments help ensure that drivers everywhere, not just in major metropolitan areas, can benefit from electrification and participate in Michigan’s transportation future.”
Speakers emphasized that EV charging investments provide benefits beyond transportation. Expanded charging infrastructure can help attract private investment, support local businesses, strengthen the electric grid, and ensure that Michigan remains competitive in an increasingly electrified global automotive market.
Participants highlighted that Congress will be deciding whether or not to maintain support for federal EV infrastructure programs in the next highway bill, noting that continued investment will help consumers save money, support American manufacturing, create jobs, and strengthen U.S. economic and national security.
Event photos available upon request.
###
About the Electrification Coalition: The Electrification Coalition is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes policies and actions to facilitate the widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) on a mass scale to overcome the economic, public health and national security challenges that stem from America’s dependence on oil. ElectrificationCoalition.org
