The state of Michigan has awarded another round of grants totaling $156,000 to four mobility companies that will help to improve pedestrian safety, fine-tune last-mile mobility solutions, and enhance electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure through testing and deployments at the Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL). It’s Electric, Skyfii, Voltpost and Yoshi received Michigan Mobility Funding Platform grants to enable this real-world testing of their mobility solutions.

“The ongoing testing at the DSPL represents both an opportunity for Michigan to develop its mobility talent and offerings, as well as a broader opportunity for our state to continue to lead the global charge on developing solutions that will electrify and modernize mobility ecosystems,” said Charlie Tyson, technology activation manager with the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. “We are committed to supporting companies, like today’s grant recipients, that share our state’s dedication and passion for building the future of mobility.”

Detroit-based startup Inventev has been awarded a $1 million federal grant as part of a project aimed at developing electric power generation technology for use on city transit buses during times of emergency. Based in Wayne State University’s TechTown incubator, Inventev will work alongside partners including nonprofit NextEnergy in Detroit and SAE International to develop Bus Exportable Power Standards (BEPS) for the Federal Transit Administration.

Superior Van & Mobility, the nation’s largest family-owned retailer of wheelchair accessible vehicles, has opened a brand-new showroom and service center in Ypsilanti. The company will now serve the Ann Arbor-area communities with wheelchair-accessible vans, rentals, scooter lifts, and other adaptive equipment.

Emerging EV manufacturer Mullen Automotive has announced the addition of a new EV Technology team in Pontiac focused on developing EV technologies for its portfolio of commercial vans. This “Detroit Tech Center” and its EV Technology team will play a critical role in Mullen’s goal of developing highly efficient EV technology that consumes less energy while offering greater vehicle ranges and power.

MDOT and OFME recently launched the Michigan Mobility Wallet Challenge to explore the creation of a Mobility Wallet Pilot Program, which aims to increase the interoperability of transit services and offer Michigan residents greater access to personal mobility. Specifically, the program’s goal will be to simplify transit payment processes by allowing riders or third-party stakeholders to load funds, or connect bank accounts, to a single platform that streamlines ride fare payment.

Mobility Wallet Pilot Program proposals must be submitted by Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. ET to be considered.

Last week, President Joe Biden signed a $280 billion bipartisan bill to boost domestic high-tech manufacturing, part of his administration’s push to boost U.S. competitiveness over China. In advance of the signing of this historic legislation, Governor Whitmer visited Hemlock Semiconductor Operations (HSC) to sign an executive directive guiding the implementation of the CHIPS Act in Michigan. Whitmer was joined virtually by President Biden, elected officials and semiconductor industry leaders.

“The bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act will make a once-in-a-century investment in American industry to create and protect tens of thousands of jobs, bring supply chain from China to Michigan, and help lower costs for working families on electronics, cars, and so much more,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. 

In the past year, Michigan has secured several investments in semiconductor and polysilicon manufacturing:

• Hemlock Semiconductor Operations, a leading provider of high-purity polysilicon products for the electronic and solar power industries, onboarded more than 400 full-time employees in Hemlock.
• KLA, a global semiconductor firm, opened their headquarters in Ann Arbor creating 600 good-paying jobs.
• Wacker, a chemical and polysilicon firm, opened a cutting-edge innovation center in Ann Arbor creating 300 good-paying jobs.
• SK Siltron, a semiconductor wafer manufacturer, announced a new facility near Bay City, creating 150 good-paying jobs.