Midwest states to build up EV infrastructure

In the USA, five Midwest states gave announced that they will work together to increase the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations. Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin will form the Regional Electric Vehicle Midwest Coalition, or “REV Midwest.”

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to create a regional framework to accelerate vehicle electrification in the Midwest. The REV Midwest program should provide the foundation for cooperation on fleet electrification along key commercial corridors in the Midwest states.

The goals outlined in the memorandum are: to accelerate medium- and heavy-duty fleet electrification – which includes working with energy providers to ensure sustained electricity supply and grid resilience; to elevate economic growth and industry leadership and; to advance equity and a clean environment.

In an effort to mitigate the disruption of the transition of fossil fuels in transport to jobs in the related industries, the MoU states that “Participating States, through industry coordination, will work to understand shifts in workforce demand and cooperate on workforce development programs to deliver accessible skilling programs to drive job growth and an equitable transition for the region’s manufacturing, maintenance, energy, and transportation industries.”

Another big issue in the transport transition is the ability to transform in disadvantaged areas, particularly those with low income, poor infrastructure and low density (ie longer distances to travel). This mentioned in the memorandum in that the participating States aim to work together “with specific consideration for communities that are historically disadvantaged.”

In a statement, state leaders said that the MoU is aimed at “competitively” positioning the region for federal funding opportunities. This comes amid congressional efforts to bolster electric vehicle charging. This is looking forward to the Senate-passed bipartisan infrastructure bill that is still waiting for a final vote in the House that includes $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging. A further $5 billion would be distributed to states to spend on electric vehicle charging.

thehill.com, michigan.gov

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