Local, state, and national leaders gathered in Lansing, Michigan, to highlight the economic and energy security benefits of continued federal investment in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, urging Congress to maintain funding for key charging programs in the next U.S. highway bill.
The event, hosted by the Electrification Coalition (EC), emphasized the role of the Charging & Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program in expanding Michigan’s public charging network, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening the state’s position in the future of electric mobility.
A key focus of the event was the Michigan Capitol Area Regional EV Charging Gateway Initiative, which received an US$8 million CFI grant to deploy up to 50 publicly accessible EV charging stations across Lansing and the Mid-Michigan region. The initiative is being implemented through a public-private partnership involving local governments, regional planning organizations, utilities, educational institutions, and state agencies.
Officials noted that only US$4 million of the approved funding has been released so far, while several other awarded CFI projects in Michigan have yet to receive federal funding. Participants called for the remaining funds to be disbursed and for both the CFI and NEVI programs to be extended under the forthcoming federal highway legislation.
The event also highlighted Michigan’s first federally funded NEVI fast-charging station, located at the South Lansing Meijer near Interstate 96. Since entering operation in December 2024, the charging station has expanded public access to fast charging while supporting local economic activity.
Aaron Viles, Senior Director of Campaigns at the Electrification Coalition, said continued federal investment in transportation electrification is essential to help consumers reduce transportation costs, strengthen domestic manufacturing, create jobs, and enhance U.S. economic and energy security.
Andy Kilpatrick, Public Service Director for the City of Lansing, said the regional charging initiative aims to deploy a combination of DC fast chargers and Level 2 charging stations to improve charging accessibility for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the region.
Kristin Shaw, Program Manager for Smart Cities and Communities at NextEnergy, said continued collaboration between government, industry, and local communities would be critical for maintaining Michigan’s leadership in mobility innovation.
Shafiq Bari, Director of Mobility Policy at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, noted that the state has completed deployment of EV charging infrastructure along its designated highway corridors under the NEVI program and is now focused on expanding charging access into communities across Michigan.
Industry representatives also highlighted the broader economic impact of federal charging investments, noting that programs such as NEVI and CFI support manufacturing, job creation, private investment, and grid modernization while improving charging accessibility in both urban and rural communities.
Participants concluded by urging Congress to preserve long-term support for federal EV charging infrastructure programs, stating that continued investment would accelerate transportation electrification, strengthen the U.S. automotive industry, and enhance national competitiveness in the global clean mobility market.
