The US state of Michigan is taking the lead in developing a Mobility Charging Hub, a “real-world prototype programme” aimed to meet the growing demand for charging locations for commercial electric vehicles. It also has Daimler Trucks North American (DTNA) and DTE Energy on board as partners.
The “real-world prototype” will be located at Daimler Truck North America’s 130-acre Redford facility near the border with Canada. The facility is already equipped with sufficient power for charging solutions. And “this location sees more than 10,000 medium and heavy-duty commercial trucks travel daily across the state, or across the state’s borders into Canada”, it says in the statement.
“Michigan’s ability to retain its global position as the automotive capital of the world depends in part on our ability to attract and retain industry, as well as move goods domestically and across our nearby active international borders,” said Kathryn Snorrason, Interim Chief Mobility Officer of the State of Michigan. “This new innovation hub will help preserve Michigan’s position in the automotive sector while allowing us to address emerging fleet management technologies.”
Detroit-based energy company DTE will operate the core infrastructure, including EV charging solutions, solar canopies, and battery energy storage systems. It will also be in charge of concluding partnerships with third-party operators for value-added services.
The Mobility Charging Hub will also be open to passenger cars. However, the media statement does not go into further detail.
Michigan has access to 13 million US dollars in funding to support the development of the Mobility Charging Hub, including 8.5 million in federal funding. The cash will be used to develop the site and to “secure partnerships with companies aiming to test and implement solutions related to electric vehicle innovation, fleet management and overall ease of travel”.
“Freight trucks drive commerce, deliver goods, and connect businesses throughout the nation, which is why it is critical to prepare this industry for the future,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Our Mobility Charging Hub will help more companies electrify their fleets, cement Michigan’s leadership in the future of freight, and rebuild our transportation infrastructure to support the economy of tomorrow.”
