LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides funding to states to strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. Through that program, Michigan is receiving roughly $110 million in NEVI Formula Program funds through fiscal year 2026.
While it was the state’s original expectation to have EGLE administer the funds as a grant program, this approach has been met with unforeseen challenges regarding compliance with federal regulations. Because of that, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will now administer the funds through a contracting procurement method. With that method put in place for the funds, the state now has open solicitations for the program – with a virtual industry forum to be held in the coming weeks to provide an overview of this solicitation.
The first stage (Round 1) of the process includes a request for qualifications that will seek qualified teams to design, construct, operate, and maintain EV charging stations. The second stage is a request for proposals that will invite selected qualified teams to submit project proposals for funding.
In a statement from Governor Gretchen Whitmer last Thursday about expanding Michigan’s EV infrastructure, the governor said, “Michigan will lead the future of mobility and electrification and today’s announcement will help us bring home federal resources to build out our statewide electric vehicle charging network. As a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Michigan will receive $110 million in federal resources specifically to build out electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Launching our state’s NEVI grant program will help us get these dollars into communities efficiently so we can help drivers making the switch to electric traverse our two peninsulas without worrying about where they’re going to charge.”
The money will be distributed over the next five years with MDOT making approximately $38 million available in Round 1 funding and applicants are required to provide a minimum of a 20-percent match. The funds will be awarded on a competitive basis to plan, design, build, operate, and maintain EV charging station sites across the state.
Brad Wieferich, MDOT acting director, says, “We are fully committed to working with our partner agencies in state government and the private sector to create a seamless charging network.”
