Dunamis Charge and DTE Energy have completed a pilot program that installed more than 100 electric vehicle charging ports across underserved neighborhoods in Detroit, the companies said, marking a step toward expanding access to EV infrastructure in communities with historically limited coverage.
The initiative, known as Communities in Charge, deployed 102 charging ports at 26 locations during 2025. The installations consist of 56 Level 2 dual-port chargers placed at community-focused sites such as nonprofit organizations and places of worship, according to Dunamis Charge.
All of the equipment used in the pilot complies with Buy America, Build America (BABA) requirements, the companies said, aligning the project with federal domestic sourcing standards and supporting U.S.-based supply chains.
The pilot was designed to address so-called “EV deserts” by locating chargers at trusted neighborhood hubs, including Focus: HOPE, The Yunion, Neighborhood Service Organization and Greater Grace Temple. Dunamis Charge said this approach was intended to lower barriers to adoption by placing charging infrastructure where residents already gather for essential services.
Under the program’s structure, host organizations are able to retain revenue generated from charging, a feature the partners said could help make similar projects financially sustainable for nonprofits and community institutions.
The companies described the pilot as a scalable model that could be expanded to other parts of Southeast Michigan and beyond, as utilities and charging providers seek to balance rapid EV adoption with broader goals around equity and access.