Charge up Michigan Program (EV Charger Grants)

The Charge Up Michigan Program, administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Materials Management Division, aims to establish a statewide Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) network in partnership with electric utilities to ensure worry-free electric vehicle travel across Michigan, to neighboring states, and Canada. Funded through Volkswagen settlement allocations via the State Mitigation Trust, the program focuses on reducing light-duty vehicle emissions, improving ambient air quality along transportation corridors, protecting human health, and supporting statewide zero-emission vehicle adoption.

Eligible applicants are public or private entities located in Michigan or out-of-state organizations that demonstrate substantial experience installing and maintaining EV chargers and maintain a significant presence in Michigan. Applicants must partner with the serving electric utility, be enrolled in a participating utility EV rebate program, and have secured site control or a binding site host agreement. Entities currently debarred or suspended by the State of Michigan or the federal government, or those with outstanding compliance or financial liabilities with the state, are ineligible.

Eligible projects must install new, publicly accessible DCFC hardware meeting OSHA, ADA, National Electric Code (NEC Article 625), and utility standards. Equipment must charge light-duty vehicles with a minimum 60 kWh battery capacity at no less than 50 kW, with future-proofing capability to 100 kW or higher. Projects must be situated within a 5-mile radius of specified priority node coordinates established in the state's EV charger placement optimization studies covering highway, tourism, and dense urban corridors.

When open, applications were accepted on a first-come, first-served continuous basis until allocated funds were exhausted. Applicants were required to verify node location eligibility, complete an electric utility site assessment, obtain a utility letter of support, secure equipment and installation quotes, calculate estimated emission reductions using the AFLEET tool, and submit application packages electronically through the state's portal. The program is currently closed and no longer accepting applications.