MDOT announces first fast charging station under NEVI program live in Lansing

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan's electric vehicle (EV) drivers have a new fast charging station to support their travels across the state's capital. Michigan's first EV fast charger station, supported by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, and in partnership with Rivian Adventure Network, is now available for public use. The Lansing station is one of the first Rivian Adventure Network locations that is open for all EV drivers to use, further broadening access to a reliable and convenient national network of public charging.

Located in the Meijer parking lot at 6200 South Pennsylvania Ave., EV drivers will find six direct current (DC) fast chargers, including one trailer-friendly charger. In early 2024, the Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO) announced the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) award of nearly $23 million to support the installation of 40 universal, fast charging stations across the state. The funding supports Michigan's goal to reduce emissions and provide a reliable charging network for EV users statewide.

"MDOT is committed to enhancing the charging network statewide to support our EV users," said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. "Thanks to the NEVI program, we can expedite this network, reaching our goal of supporting 2 million EVs on Michigan roads by 2030."

The NEVI Formula Program, part of President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), aims to support the expansion of universal fast charging stations nationwide, focusing on locations along alternative fuel corridors (AFCs). Stations must be located within 1 mile of an established AFC, be able to charge a minimum of four vehicles simultaneously and require a five-year maintenance commitment from partnering companies.

In total, Michigan will receive $110 million in NEVI Formula Program funding through 2026, which will help fund the installation of more than 100 fast charging stations throughout the state of Michigan. Seven additional stations are currently in the design phase, with installation and public use expected in early 2025. The NEVI Formula Program complements existing clean energy initiatives in Michigan, including the MI Healthy Climate Plan and Charge Up Michigan. Michigan has secured more than $150 million through Charge Up Michigan and the BIL to build Michigan's EV charging network.

"Michigan is an important automotive center in America, and the state's first NEVI-funded charging station opens up new mobility options for Americans," said Gabe Klein, executive director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. "Building NEVI-funded charging stations in convenient locations boosts local economic development and provides Michiganders with easy options to charge in their community, giving more Americans the confidence to choose electric."

"Michigan continues to lead the automotive industry in opening its first NEVI-funded EV charging station," said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Kristin White. "This work is expanding the state's EV charging network, helping Michiganders and travelers reliably charge their EVs and helps achieve our goal of installing 500,000 publicly available EV chargers by 2030."

"Rivian is thrilled to launch Michigan's first charging site available to all EV drivers under the NEVI program," said Sara Eslinger, director for Rivian Adventure Network. "Drivers charging here will experience the Rivian Adventure Network's commitment to convenient, reliable charging and can feel great knowing their session is automatically powered by 100 percent renewable energy."

"The NEVI Program is helping Michigan build stronger, cleaner and more connected communities," said Zachary Kolodin, Michigan's chief infrastructure officers and director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. "With these new charging stations, we are increasing options for drivers, lowering the cost of owning electric vehicles, and promoting environmental stewardship."

MDOT's first fast charging station under the NEVI Formula Program is now operating. EV drivers can find the station located in the Meijer parking lot at 6200 South Pennsylvania Ave. in Lansing.

The EV fast charging station became operational this week, and features six DC fast chargers, including one trailer-friendly charger.