The state of Michigan is spearheading the development of a groundbreaking Mobility Charging Hub, an innovative program designed to address the growing demand for charging stations for commercial electric vehicles. Collaborating with Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) and DTE Energy, Michigan aims to revolutionize the charging infrastructure.
Situated at Daimler Truck North America’s expansive 130-acre Redford facility near the Canadian border, the Mobility Charging Hub will serve as a “real-world prototype” location. The facility already boasts ample power capacity to accommodate charging solutions. Michigan, renowned as the global automotive capital, witnesses over 10,000 medium and heavy-duty commercial trucks crossing state lines daily, making it an ideal location, as stated in the official release.
“The ability of Michigan to maintain its global automotive prominence relies on our capacity to attract and retain industry, as well as facilitate the movement of goods within our borders and across international boundaries,” emphasized Kathryn Snorrason, Interim Chief Mobility Officer of the State of Michigan. She further added, “This innovative hub will bolster Michigan’s position in the automotive sector while allowing us to tackle emerging fleet management technologies.”
Leading energy company DTE, headquartered in Detroit, will oversee the core infrastructure operations, including electric vehicle charging solutions, solar canopies, and battery energy storage systems. Additionally, DTE will establish partnerships with third-party operators to offer value-added services.
While the Mobility Charging Hub primarily caters to commercial vehicles, it will also welcome passenger cars. Specific details regarding this aspect were not provided in the media statement.
To facilitate the development of the Mobility Charging Hub, Michigan has secured access to $13 million in funding, including $8.5 million in federal support. These funds will be utilized for site development and to establish collaborations with companies seeking to test and implement electric vehicle innovation, fleet management solutions, and enhanced travel experiences.
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II highlighted the significance of preparing the freight industry for the future, stating, “Freight trucks drive commerce, deliver goods, and connect businesses throughout the nation, which is why it is critical to prepare this industry for the future. Our Mobility Charging Hub will help more companies electrify their fleets, cement Michigan’s leadership in the future of freight, and rebuild our transportation infrastructure to support the economy of tomorrow.”
