Consumers Energy to install 200 new public EV chargers in Michigan by the end of 2023

Michigan’s electric vehicle infrastructure is getting an update.

The Jackson-based utility Consumers Energy says it will install 200 public electric vehicle chargers in Michigan by the end of 2023.

Half of the devices will be fast chargers, which can fully power a car’s battery in about 30 minutes. The remaining 100 devices will be “level two” chargers that restore a vehicle’s battery power in six to eight hours.

Spokesperson Brian Wheeler says Michiganders should expect to see a lot more EVs on the road in the near future.

“If it’s 15,000 today, our projections are that we’re going to be powering a million electric vehicles by 2030. So it’s important right now that we really build the charging network and help people understand what’s available so they can make the jump when it comes to their purchase to get that electric vehicle.”

Wheeler says it’s important to make electric vehicle travel more accessible to Michiganders.

“We serve most of the lower peninsula and so really our goal is to build out that complete network that really helps to connect the dots for people. If you 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.”

Wheeler says businesses and communities that apply to have a charger installed are eligible for rebates.

The utility estimates it will power 1 million EVs by 2030.

In her State of the State speech, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer touted the news that General Motors is investing more than $7 billion toward boosting its electric vehicle manufacturing capabilities in Michigan. She also proposed a $2,000 rebate for a new electric vehicle and a $500 rebate for at-home charging infrastructure.