Magna International has been working on a powertrain system that would convert gasoline-powered pickup trucks to all-electric vehicles. The company has now announced it will begin production of its EtelligentForce system at a new EV center opening in Troy, MI.

EtelligentForce is designed for high-payload vehicles. It features Magna’s eDrive technology at the front and its eBeam – which replaces traditional beam axles, and accommodates existing suspension and brake systems – at the rear.

“EtelligentForce comes at a pivotal time – particularly in the North American auto industry where pickup trucks are at their height of popularity and one of the last segments to become fully electric,” said Tom Rucker, President of Magna Powertrain. “The beauty of this powerful BEV system is that it delivers the environmental benefits of an electric powertrain while maintaining the capability and utility of conventional three-quarter-ton and one-ton trucks.

Consumers Energy will be installing 200 public EV chargers throughout Michigan over the next two years. Half of the stations will feature fast chargers, which can fully power a car’s battery in about 30 minutes, while the other half will be “level two” chargers, which restore a vehicle’s battery in six to eight hours. With these builds, the utility company estimates it will help power one million EVs by 2030.

“We serve most of the lower peninsula and so our goal is to build out that complete network that really helps to connect the dots for people,” said Brian Wheeler, Media Relations Manager of Consumers Energy. “Whether you live in southeast Michigan or west Michigan, as you’re traveling across the state, we want to make sure that there’s a charging network in place for you.”

Automated driving software company ADASTEC has announced plans to locate its U.S. headquarters at the SPARK Central Innovation Center in Ann Arbor.

“We believe that Michigan is one of the best locations to be for the mobility and automotive industry,” said Dr. Ali Peker, CEO of ADASTEC. “There are excellent opportunities in Michigan as economic development corporations, associations, and chambers. Michiganders greet us warmly at all times and have always supported us without any expectations. We are happy to be in Ann Arbor and to take our place in the heart of the automotive industry innovations.”

ADASTEC offers flowride.ai, an automated bus platform that provides bus manufacturers opportunities to best meet the needs of next-generation automated public transportation. Through a collaboration with bus manufacturer Karsan, the company has recently deployed a test of its technology within an electric automated bus on Michigan State University’s East Lansing campus.

*Time is running out to apply for the next round of MMFP grants!*

The Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) have partnered to launch the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform aimed at providing vital grant funding to mobility and electrification companies of all sizes looking to deploy their technology in Michigan. Grants are focused on catalyzing and scaling mobility solutions across three key areas of focus:

• Sustainable Futures: Improve environmental sustainability by encouraging EV adoption and the buildout of EV charging infrastructure
• Equitable Futures: Alleviate mobility barriers and increase access to affordable and reliable transportation options
• Multimodal Transportation: Modernize existing transportation systems and keep Michigan at the forefront across all connected and autonomous transportation modes

For Michigan-based entities working to address a mobility/electrification challenge or solution providers looking to find a Michigan-based partner, additional Interest Forms are also now available to support those both seeking and providing solutions through the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform.

Learn more about eligibility for testing environments and real-world deployments, and past grant recipients at the landing page here.

The current rolling application period ends March 31, 2022.

• DriveElectric.gov – Information on all federal EV-related news and opportunities
• DOE Bipartisan Infrastructure Funding Opportunities – The latest notices and RFP opportunities for programs related to clean energy and lower carbon emissions
• H2 Matchmaker – An online resource to help hydrogen suppliers and users identify stakeholders across the supply chain
• Michigan Mobility Funding Platform – Test site deployments and real-world deployments
• Plug and Play Tech Center Detroit powered by AmplifyD – Resources for startups looking to reach OEMs and Tier 1 Suppliers
• Michigan EGLE: Charge Up Michigan – Opportunity to apply for funding
• Mobility Makers – Community of professionals dedicated to sustainable mobility
• Ongoing Funding Opportunities through NextEnergy