Although $110 million of federal funding has been slashed from the budget for Electric Vehicle charging stations, EV advocates in Michigan maintain plans to build more stations in the state are affected by the cuts, but not abolished.

Earlier this month, the Federal Highway Administration stopped new funding for electric vehicle charging stations under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, or NEVI Program. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, NEVI allocated $5 billion over five years to all U.S. states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Michigan was set to receive $110 million for fast-charging stations along key routes.

Despite the cuts, Chase Attanasio of Clean Fuels Michigan says EV charging port expansion plans in the state are affected, but not aborted.

“The utility companies in Michigan have been and will continue to invest heavily in EV infrastructure deployments and their service territories that support a variety of different use cases,” Attanasio  said. “And there are state programs that will continue to support EV charger deployments across the state.”

There are currently 3,700 public charging stations around Michigan, and the goal is to deploy 100,000 by 2030.

Attanasio believes Michigan has an opportunity to step up and take the lead in the clean mobility sector, despite uncertainties. Meanwhile, the federal government will allow existing contracts to proceed with reimbursements until new guidance is issued.