The states of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin have signed an agreement with Michigan to add charging stations and boost electric vehicle use around Lake Michigan.
The voluntary agreement moves an EV infrastructure initiative announced by the Whitmer administration in 2021 forward.
The effort, known as the Lake Michigan Electric Vehicle Circuit Tour, is geared toward tourism, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer touted its promise.
“Today, Michigan is proud to lead the Lake Michigan Electric Vehicle Circuit Tour, a partnership between fellow Midwestern states to grow our economy, create more good-paying jobs, and lead the future of mobility and electrification,” Whitmer said in a news release. “With this announcement, we are putting the country on notice that the Midwest is the place to be for clean energy and small business growth. The circuit will allow travelers to experience Lake Michigan and visit countless communities in and around the route.”
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The memorandum signed by the states’ representatives said the four states would “work together with a united effort to design, facilitate the development, maintenance and marketing of a scenic route with reliable light-duty vehicle charging options along the Lake Michigan coastline.”
The agreement says the states will maintain a working group comprised of “senior leadership” from each state to meet regularly on goals, recommendations and other aspects related to the circuit.
A news release describes the circuit as an electric Route 66.
“The circuit will be a scenic route with reliable electric vehicle chargers along Lake Michigan’s 1,100 mile drivable coastline. The chargers will be installed in key coastal communities at lighthouses, state parks, breweries, vineyards, restaurants, and other small businesses. They will also be meshed into existing charging infrastructure networks at large entertainment attractions in cities along the route including Chicago, Milwaukee, and Green Bay,” the release said. “Many of the network’s chargers are operable today, and drivers can expect the remainder to be installed within the next few years.”
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence. Become a subscriber.