Many local governments across Michigan consider electric vehicle charging a relevant issue, but the numbers are still quite low, according to a new report. University of Michigan surveyand those interested in charging electric vehicles see cost as a barrier.
Although the survey was specific to Michigan, it is a traditional hub for the auto industry and may represent a higher awareness in rural areas of electric vehicle technology than in other states. Conducted last fall, it increased local government interest compared to the previous study conducted in 2019, but there is still some room for improvement.
Just under 40% of local leaders surveyed said electric vehicle infrastructure planning is somewhat or very appropriate — a 23% increase from 2019. Just over a quarter said electric vehicle charging is not relevant in their jurisdiction, compared to 40% in 2019.
Pre-production GMC Hummer EV 2022 at Factory Zero in Detroit, Michigan
More than a third of respondents (34%) said their community has too few public charging stations, up from 29% in 2019. The majority of those surveyed (53%) pointed to the cost of The addition of electric vehicle charging stations or lack of public interest (51%) are major barriers to further infrastructure expansion.
The survey also revealed an urban/rural divide, with village and town officials less likely to say electric vehicle charging planning is well suited to their jurisdictions (respectively 14% and 10%) compared to city and county officials (32%). and 30%).
Rivian Waypoints Charger at Holland State Park, MI – Photo by Diane Dawson Wilks, c/o Michigan DNR
At the federal level, the Biden administration Network of 500,000 chargers nationwide will be arranged across some rural areas and small towns, but it depends on the designation alternative fuel corridor. The government has provided Additional capital focuses on rural areas—are vaguely referred to as “low-income communities and nonmetropolitan areas” and are subject to statistical designation.
Some smaller California cities and rural counties have been eager to share their successes with electric vehicles and charging, but that’s in the early stages of adoption and at a time when electric vehicles are less polarizing. more politically. Meanwhile, Install level 2 chargers for passengers, shoppers, etc. will certainly help in rural areas as well. And they don’t cost much.
