Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced the launch of the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office, which aims to assist both companies and individuals in seizing economic opportunities as the state shifts towards high-tech advancements, particularly in clean energy and high-tech EV manufacturing. This new office will develop strategies and provide resources to help communities, workers, and employers navigate these changes, prioritizing collaboration with community leaders to increase awareness and access to resources for workers.

Newly launched by the Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL), the Autonomous Movement Initiative offers grant funding for projects centered on autonomous vehicle movement. The initiative invites companies to deploy, test, and demonstrate their solutions at the DSPL for six months, leveraging the Lab’s resources and network. The grant covers lab fees, infrastructure support, and partial travel expenses, allowing companies to access a global audience and industry partnerships.

The American Center for Mobility has received a $2.9 million federal grant to establish an EV charging hub to tackle reliability issues in EV charging. In partnership with industry associations and research institutes, this initiative will serve as a testing ground for different charger makes and models. The center is also expanding its focus to include hydrogen projects to diversify its offerings in response to industry demands.

URBAN-X has opened applications for its accelerator program to support founders building businesses to solve cities’ toughest challenges in areas such as transportation and mobility, the built environment, food, waste and water, and the energy grid. The immersive 20-week program offers customer development, product development, network-building, and expert guidance for startups – all in preparation for fundraising.

• Feb. 23-March 3: Cleveland Auto Show
• March 8-16: SXSW
• March 12-14: SAE International AeroTech
• March 19-21: Automotive CyberSecurity Conference
• April 16-18: SAE International WCX
• May 21-22: 2024 Global Symposium on Mobility Innovation
• May 21-23: AutoSens USA
• June 3-4: Electric Vehicles Battery Technology USA
• June 26-28: Auto Ai

MEDC Awards German EV Company $1.5M Grant to Establish Headquarters in Corktown | WDET-FM (NPR)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has awarded a $1.5 million grant to EcoG, Inc., a German EV charging technology company, to establish its North American headquarters in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood. With $14 million in private investment, the project aims to create 45 high-wage jobs and position Michigan as a global leader in vehicle electrification.

Chinese LiDAR Developer RoboSense Joins MCity to Help Drive Future of Mobility | MITech News
RoboSense, a Chinese LiDAR developer, has joined the University of Michigan’s Mcity Research Center to contribute its sensors and software for transportation research. This partnership enhances data collection capabilities in Ann Arbor and supports advancements in mobility safety and sustainability.

DTE Eyes 19,000 EV Charger Rebates Over 4 Years, with Focus on Low-Income Customers and Rental Properties | Crain’s Detroit Business
DTE Electric intends to offer rebates for over 19,000 electric vehicle chargers from 2025 to 2028, with a focus on supporting lower-income customers and expanding fast charger infrastructure. The plan, totaling $145 million, aims to accelerate EV adoption in Michigan and alleviate charging-related barriers.

• 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
• The Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship (FLITE) – Provides grants and pilot-testing opportunities to companies focused on bringing emerging air travel technology solutions to market
• Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) – A consortium bed by the Detroit Regional Partnership that is designed to help build an inclusive and prosperous 21st-century mobility sector
• H2 Matchmaker – An online resource to help hydrogen suppliers and users identify stakeholders across the supply chain
• MICHauto – Organization that promotes, retains, and grows Michigan’s signature industry as the state’s only automotive and mobility cluster association. View the MICHauto Automobility Asset Map for a look at the 250 locations that are active contributors to the EV industry.
• Michigan Mobility Funding Platform – Test site deployments and real-world deployments
• Michigan EGLE: Charge Up Michigan – Opportunity to apply for funding
• Mobility Makers – Community of professionals dedicated to sustainable mobility
• MotorCites National Heritage Area Events – A nonprofit corporation affiliated with the National Park Service that preserves, interprets and promotes the region’s rich automotive and labor heritage
• Plug and Play Tech Center Detroit – Resources for startups looking to reach OEMs and Tier 1 Suppliers