Michigan Unlocks $51 Million for EV Charging Network Expansion After Federal Approval

Federal Highway Administration Green-Lights Next Phase of State EV Infrastructure Plan

The Michigan Department of Transportation is moving forward with its electric vehicle charging program after federal officials approved the state's latest infrastructure plan. The Federal Highway Administration signed off on Michigan's fiscal year 2026 Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan, allowing the state to begin spending its remaining $51 million of taxpayer funds in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funds.

State officials say the funding will be used to close gaps in the current charging network, improve reliability and expand access for both passenger and medium-duty vehicles.

This funding will help strategically expand fast charging infrastructure, close critical gaps in Michigan's EV charging network, support economic development and ensure that Michigan remains a leader in mobility innovation, MDOT said.

Building Toward 2030 Goal of Two Million EVs

In total, the program has allocated about $106 million to Michigan through 2026. With the approval, MDOT can resume expanding its EV charging network after months of uncertainty when the Trump administration temporarily paused the program pending a policy review.

So far, MDOT is in the process of deploying 82 charging stations across the state following the first two rounds of funding. The NEVI program, created under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is designed to establish a nationwide network of fast-charging stations along highways.

Michigan opened its first NEVI-funded charging station in Lansing in late 2024, three years after the program was approved. At the time, only a handful of additional stations were in development.

State officials have said the program could ultimately fund around 100 stations, though fewer than that have been announced so far. This buildout is part of the state's plan to build out the infrastructure to support two million EVs on Michigan roads by 2030.

Third Round Applications Coming Soon

MDOT is preparing a third round of applications aimed at giving more communities access to the funding. State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich has said MDOT is committed to enhancing the charging network statewide to support EV users.

The agency is coordinating with FHWA, local governments, tribal nations, utilities, and private companies as the rollout continues. Public input remains part of the process, with MDOT planning to share updates and funding opportunities through its NEVI program channels as more sites come online.

Reality Check on Charging Infrastructure Needs

Experts remain skeptical of the state's ability to meet the 2030 goal. Currently, the state reports 2,102 charging locations across Michigan. To support its 2030 goal, Michigan will need approximately 10,000 DCFC and 90,000 Level 2 chargers.

The NEVI program has also drawn criticism over cost and effectiveness. So far, the most up-to-date report from EV States Clearinghouse shows 127 NEVI-funded charging stations opened up across the country, with 596 conditionally awarded. With those 127 stations costing $67.6 million altogether, each charging port cost approximately $134,600 to install.

A quarter four report from 2024 from the U.S. Office of Energy and Transportation showed 126 stations opened, showing the impact the battle over NEVI funding has had on its rollout nationally.

MDOT's Approach to Charging Network

On its website, MDOT confirms that the NEVI Formula Program will complement Michigan's previous and existing EV charging efforts, such as Charge Up Michigan, Lake Michigan Circuit and the Clean Fuel and Charging Infrastructure programs. Collectively, these programs will aim to build out the infrastructure to support the growing number of EVs on Michigan roads.

The state is also aiming to align new charging sites with economic development, tourism, and long-term grid planning. Earlier Round 1 and Round 2 selections, which were announced in February 2024 and June 2025 respectively, have yielded a total of 82 new charging sites across the state.

Just seven of these are currently operational, with the rest either under construction, in design, or selected sites awaiting contracts.