Contact: Noah Barnes, Electrification Coalition
noah@electrification.org, (202) 461-2371
LANSING—Today, the Electrification Coalition convened policymakers and industry leaders from across Michigan—including State Representatives Ranjeev Puri and Phil Skaggs, Shafiq Bari from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and leaders from electric vehicle (EV) nonprofit organizations and corporations like ABB, Lion Electric, Rivian and more—for an event to advance medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) vehicle electrification. Speakers highlighted the many benefits of MHD EVs and the key policies, such as the Michigan Clean School Bus Program and the proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy Duty Vehicles—Phase 3, that can drive further manufacturing and deployment of these vehicles in the Auto State.
Although there are fewer MHD vehicles than light-duty vehicles on the roads, MHD vehicles emit a disproportionately large amount of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. By electrifying MHD fleets, the U.S. can promote domestic economic development through manufacturing, strengthen national security through reduced oil dependence, and protect public health by improving air quality in our communities.
In April, the EPA announced its proposed Rule for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles, Phase 3. The proposed rule, which aims to tighten emissions standards for MHD vehicles, will play a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the EV transition. The EPA forecasts that the rule would lead to 35 to 57% of new sales of MHD vehicles being electric in 2032, depending on the vehicle type.
“As an EV driver myself, I recognize the benefits and challenges,” said Rep. Skaggs. “We need to incentivize local and state governments to bring fleets to the forefront.”
In July, Michigan passed the state’s annual budget, which included $125 million in funding for clean school buses, making the state a national leader.
“My grandson should have the right to not inhale diesel,” said Rick Lee of Lion Electric. “He should ride to school in an electric school bus.”
“Our experts in transportation are working to determine exactly where the buses would be most effective,” said Dr. Sheryl Kennedy, legislative liaison for the Michigan Department of Education. “Our goal is to get every penny of the $125 million out the door and serving districts.”
Electric school buses equipped with vehicle-to-everything technology also offer opportunities to serve as backup power for shelters during emergencies, given that buses have large batteries and schools often function as shelters.
“Electrifying Michigan’s heavy-duty fleets can advance innovation and efficiency in transportation, bolstering the state economy and our national security,” said the Electrification Coalition’s Senior Director of Campaigns Aaron Viles. “To achieve a prosperous, electrified future, we need policies like the EPA’s Phase 3 standard, which can provide Michigan companies with clear direction and timelines. The Electrification Coalition thanks our industry and government partners for joining us in Lansing to support the policies that will deliver the benefits of electric vehicles to Michigan communities.”
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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