Michigan announced a new, real-world prototype program known as the Mobility Charging Hub, which the state said will help to enable companies to transition fleets to electric commercial vehicles (EVs). The program will also serve the dual purpose of supporting passenger vehicle charging.

“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,” Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, said. “Over the past five years, our administration has made progress investing in infrastructure and positioning Michigan as the best place to innovate the future and we are taking that one step further with this ‘truck stop of the future.’”

Michigan will have access to $13,000,000 in funding – including $8.5 million in federal funding – to support the Mobility Charging Hub development and secure partnerships with companies aiming to test and implement solutions related to EV innovation, fleet management and ease of travel. Initial project partners include Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) and DTE Energy.

“Michigan’s ability to retain its global position as the automotive capital of the world depends in part on our ability to attract and retain industry, as well as move goods domestically and across our nearby active international borders,” Kathryn Snorrason, interim chief mobility officer of the State of Michigan. “This new innovation hub will help preserve Michigan’s position in the automotive sector while allowing us to address emerging fleet management technologies.”