In a significant move to promote sustainable transportation, the State of Michigan has unveiled plans to construct an innovative electric truck stop in partnership with Daimler and DTE Energy. With approximately 30% of all truck and rail freight between the United States and Canada passing through Michigan, the state aims to facilitate the widespread adoption of commercial electric vehicles (EVs) and enhance the overall truck stop experience. The project, known as the “Mobility Charging Hub,” will also offer support for charging electric passenger vehicles.
The electric truck stop will be situated at Daimler Truck North America’s expansive Redford facility, located near the east-west running I-96 highway. Boasting an already available power supply, the strategic site serves as a bustling corridor for over 10,000 medium- and heavy-duty commercial trucks that traverse the state daily, including those crossing the border into Canada.
Rakesh Aneja, the head of eMobility at Daimler Truck North America, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “[W]e are excited to partner with the State of Michigan and DTE in this innovative Mobility Charging Hub. Our 130-acre Detroit manufacturing plant, home to our diesel and electric Detroit Powertrains and powered by more than 3,000 employees, is the ideal location for this project.”
Michigan has secured $13 million in funding for the development of the electric truck stop and to establish partnerships with companies interested in testing electric vehicle innovation, electric fleet management, and seamless travel. Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) and DTE Energy have already committed to the project as partners.
Moreover, the Mobility Charging Hub has been granted $8.5 million in federal funding from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program. This financial support will be instrumental in realizing the ambitious vision of the project.
The initial focus will be on establishing the core infrastructure required for EV charging at the site. DTE Energy will be responsible for operating the EV charging solutions, solar canopies, and battery energy storage systems. Additionally, DTE Energy plans to collaborate with third-party operators to offer value-added services. Subsequently, the state aims to position the Mobility Charging Hub as a hub for innovation testing, further driving advancements in electric mobility.
By combining resources and expertise, Michigan, Daimler, and DTE Energy are taking a significant step toward a sustainable future in the transportation sector. The construction of the electric truck stop underscores their commitment to accelerating the deployment of commercial electric vehicles and ushering in a new era of greener transportation infrastructure.
