Legislators, auto industry leaders discuss supporting electric vehicle growth in Michigan

Contact: Rachel Perkins, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (517) 333-1606
Video recording of event: https://youtu.be/la04WvKxuFE

ROCHESTER HILLS – Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) and Rep. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe) gathered with automotive industry leaders Monday morning at a roundtable to discuss the future of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, what policies are needed to support EV infrastructure and how Michigan can support the advancement of the EV industry.

In June 2019, McMorrow introduced a bipartisan four-bill package that would support the growth of electric vehicles in Michigan and establish the nation’s first statewide charging network.

“Michigan built the American automotive industry, but it’s an industry that’s changing more rapidly now than any other time before,” said Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak). “No other state has the history, talent and capability to design and build the next generation of electric vehicles, but we need to have the infrastructure in place to support that development. It’s critical that the legislature and the Governor work together to move forward on positioning Michigan to be a leader in the future of this industry.”

“These bills encourage our state to create a collaborative and coordinated plan, working with private companies, small businesses, utilities and various state departments to build out the state’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure, making Michigan the first fully networked state,” said Rep. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe). “This electric vehicle legislation would preserve good automotive jobs as the industry continues to shift, reduce taxes on businesses and encourage those who stop to charge vehicles to put dollars back into our local economies while they wait. This bill gets it done for Michigan residents and our state as a whole.”

“Ford is committed to electrification and has announced plans to invest more than $11B by 2022 to deliver all-new hybrid and fully electric vehicles, including the all-new Mustang Mach-E and our best-selling F-150 which will be produced right here in Dearborn, Michigan,” Ford Motor Company said in a statement. “We need key stakeholders and government partners to work collaboratively to accelerate deployment of the necessary EV infrastructure to ensure successful consumer adoption of this important future technology.”

“GM believes in an all-electric, zero emissions future,” said Brian O’Connell, regional director of state government relations at GM. “We are committed to investing, incentivizing or working with companies to bring charging solutions to the market to best serve customers. We continue to collaborate on a holistic approach to EV infrastructure using a shared charging standard.”

“The next generation of the automobile is quickly evolving from concept to deployment. As electric vehicles begin navigating Michigan’s roads, we will require the sufficient necessary infrastructure to support them,” said Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MichAuto, and vice president of Automotive and Mobility Initiatives for the Detroit Regional Chamber. “I deeply appreciate the commitment that Sen. McMorrow, Rep. Joe Bellino, and others in our Legislature have to addressing this issue and to maintaining Michigan’s position as the world’s center of mobility innovation.”

“The world is moving toward an automated, shared, and connected mobility future – and it is all going to happen on an electrified platform,” said Cory Connolly, vice president of policy at the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. “Investments in charging infrastructure like those included in the package of bills led by Sen. McMorrow and Rep. Bellino are crucial to make this transition possible and to help unleash private sector innovation

The bipartisan package includes:

• Senate Bill 406 and House Bill 4786Would create the Electric Vehicle Council within the Michigan Department of Transportation to create a statewide, comprehensive charging infrastructure plan to expand Michigan’s charging network in a cost-effective way.Sponsored by Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) and Rep. Tim Sneller (D-Burton)
• Senate Bill 408 and House Bill 4787Would allow the state to install or lease space for EV charging stations at state park and rides.Sponsored by Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) and Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor)
• Senate Bill 407 and House Bill 4788Would allow the state to install or lease space for installation of EV charging stations in state parks.Sponsored by Sen. Kim LaSata (R-Bainbridge Township) and Rep. Julie Alexander (R-Jackson)
• Senate Bill 409 and House Bill 4789
  
  Would create tax incentives for small businesses and multi-unit housing to install EV charging stations.Sponsored by Sen. Michael MacDonald (R-Macomb Township) and Rep. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe)

###