MICHauto applauds the final passage of HB 4706 that will expand Michigan’s infrastructure for charging stations and give motorists more electrification access when they’re on the road.
MICHauto has voiced its support for HB 4706, and in June, MICHauto’s Paul Corbett, Director of Government and Community Affairs, testified in support of the legislation in the House Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure Committee.
Read more about the passage of this important legislation in the release below.
Nov. 8. 2023
LANSING, Michigan – Business trade organizations today applauded the final passage of legislation that will expand Michigan’s infrastructure for charging stations and give motorists more electrification access – and peace of mind – when they’re on the road.
“I applaud my colleagues in both parties and chambers who have voted to put this legislation on the Governor’s desk,” said Michigan Rep. Sharon MacDonell. “I look forward to Governor Whitmer signing the legislation to ensure that Michigan has sufficient charging infrastructure for the electric vehicle transition.”
The legislation passed by the Michigan Senate today and the Michigan House of Representatives in June, HB 4706, allows charging station operators to re-sell electricity to electric vehicle (EV) owners without requiring them to be regulated as utilities, codifying statewide what is already allowed across most of the state by the Michigan Public Service Commission. This step can help provide incentives to invest in and build charging stations for electric vehicles because charging stations can then access federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding.
“With more Michiganders driving and relying on electric vehicles, building more places to charge EVs and ensure motorists can get from A to B safely and with peace of mind is simply common sense,” said Clean Fuels Michigan Executive Director Jane McCurry. “This policy fix will further demonstrate to the EV charging industry that Michigan is open for business.”
“Michigan EIBC appreciates the efforts of Representative MacDonell and her colleagues to pass this critical legislation in a bipartisan manner,” said Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council President Dr. Laura Sherman. “We look forward to Governor Whitmer signing this legislation, which will enable the expansion of charging stations across Michigan, creating jobs across the industry in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.”
Advancements in fast charging technology have significantly reduced charging times for electric vehicles, making it more convenient than ever to embark on long journeys with shorter charging stops.
“Adoption of this legislation is an important step that will allow more Michigan small business people access to Federal NEVI funds, bringing more jobs and a more resilient charging infrastructure to our State,” said MICHauto Director for Government and Community Affairs Paul Corbett.
“I’ve spoken to enough potential EV buyers to know that range anxiety is real,” said MacDonell. “By facilitating the rapid build-out of EV charging stations, this legislation will alleviate consumer anxiety, inspiring more Michiganders to purchase EVs. This will go a long way towards reducing pollution and improving air quality.”
# # #