The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is offering grants to eligible entities for the strategic deployment of EV charging infrastructure to support EV tourism along the Lake Michigan coastline. The Lake Michigan Circuit will establish a network of charging stations along Lake Michigan as part of a larger regional network to accelerate the adoption of EVs and increase the confidence of long-distance travel using an EV.

Michigan Central and ChargerHelp have joined forces to provide free skills training for Detroit residents aspiring to become EV technicians. The program, spanning six to eight weeks and commencing in November, is specifically designed to accommodate working adults with a high school diploma or GED. Upon successful completion, participants can anticipate annual earnings of $67,000 as certified EV technicians.

The University of Michigan, backed by a $12-million ComPASS grant from the National Institutes of Health, is tackling healthcare access challenges by addressing transportation barriers for residents in Detroit. Led by Feonix-Mobility Rising, the initiative introduces “mobility wallets” loaded with funds to cover travel expenses for medical appointments, pharmacies, and health-related services. Researchers will analyze the project’s impact on health outcomes, with a focus on reducing disparities in healthcare access for individuals with lower socioeconomic status and racial and ethnic minority groups in Detroit.

Intertek has inaugurated its Electrification Centre of Excellence at the Transportation Technologies lab in Plymouth. Covering 200,000 square feet, it stands as one of Intertek’s largest global laboratories. With increasing U.S. EV sales, the facility aims to meet the industry’s growing demand for regulatory support and testing in the realm of EV and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) battery and charging technologies.

2023

• Oct. 19-20: Micromobility America
• Oct. 24: Michigan Medium- and Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicle Bootcamp and Display
• Oct. 24-25: American Automotive Summit
• Nov. 8-9: Reuters Automotive USA 2023
• Nov. 15: The Future of Travel Mobility
• Dec.5: 2023 MICHauto Summit

Justine Johnson Interview | EV Times
Amazing innovation is happening right now in Michigan. Justine Johnson, the Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan, sat down with EV Times to discuss EVs and the ecosystem they create.

For Automakers, State of Michigan, Going Green Is About More Than EVs | Newsweek
A recent discussion with Wendy Orthman of Genesis and Justine Johnson, Michigan’s Chief Mobility Officer, emphasized the pivotal role of consumer experience. Focusing on practical aspects like integrating EVs into daily life and offering home charging solutions, the conversation highlighted the importance of showcasing how EVs seamlessly fit into consumers’ lifestyles.

Rec-Tech Startups Taking Root in the U.P. | UPWord
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, entrepreneurs are driving a recreation technology revolution, bridging major industries like natural resource extraction and tourism. Innovators like Electric Outdoors and SwimSmart are capitalizing on the U.P.’s natural resources, fostering sustainability, and creating opportunities in the outdoor adventure sector.

• Bamboo Detroit Mobility Founders Hour – Join a bimonthly, virtual meetup for founders and leaders of high growth mobility startups to connect, share resources, and meet special guest speakers
• 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
• 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
• MICHauto Automobility Asset Map – Shows nearly 250 locations that are active contributors to the industry, including OEMs, assembly plants, suppliers, proving grounds, entrepreneur resources, mobility projects, universities, and transportation hubs.
• Michigan Mobility Funding Platform – Test site deployments and real-world deployments
• Michigan STEM Forward Internships – A statewide program of the MEDC which aims to connect the brightest upcoming talent with innovative and growing companies throughout Michigan
• 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 powered by AmplifyD – Resources for startups looking to reach OEMs and Tier 1 Suppliers