As automakers and lawmakers work to expand EV sales, one of the most critical tasks left on the table is to add to the existing EV charging network to accommodate that massive expansion. While third-party companies like Electrify America work to build out their own EV charging networks, the U.S. government is also providing billions in funds to entice states to do the same. However, Michigan and Canada are now planning to do something a bit different – create the first bi-national EV charging corridor stretching from Kalamazoo to Quebec City, according to MLive.
This new corridor covers 860 miles of highway and will provide charging options every 50 miles along one of the busiest corridors between the U.S. and Canada, not only for those traveling between the two countries, but also for freight deliveries. In Canada, the route will travel along Highway 401 to Toronto, on to Highway 20 heading into Montreal, and along Highway 40 to Quebec City. Notably, the Ford Oakville Assembly plant – which will be converted for the production of EVs starting in 2025 – is right along the route.
Both countries will pitch in to support the development of this new corridor, with Michigan using the $110 million it’s receiving from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund to help fortify its existing EV charging infrastructure. Additionally, Governor Gretchen Whitmer included $65 million in proposed funds destined to help build more EV chargers in the state as part of her newest state budget.
“As we all know, there is nothing more Pure Michigan than accidentally driving into Canada,” Whitmer said during the announcement. “This is the first cross-border electric vehicle corridor of its kind. It will allow seamless international travel between Michigan and Canada, accidental or otherwise, with abundant charging options throughout your journey.”
We’ll have more on this new EV charging corridor soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
I drove my Mach E to and from Dayton, yesterday. The problem isn’t in Canada – it’s I-75. There is just ONE DC fast charger between Monroe and Dayton. And it is barely more powerful than a hairdryer (I wish I was joking). The charging infrastructure in the Midwest is pathetic.
All this “money” for an EV infrastructure is BS. There are less than 50 EV installs taking place a day and that number is supposed to be around 500 per day according to papers I read. That means that it will be 5 to 10 years at least before the US has any substantial road chargers installed. You better hope MUSK opens all his chargers because you can’t count on the US government or private companies to do it for us. All that money is just going to end up in the pockets of corrupt politicians and payoffs….just like everything else in the US now!!!
The Ford plant in Oakville Ontario was mentioned in the article but between Toronto and Detroit (250 mile stretch) are the following: 2. GM assembly in Oshawa, 3.Magna headquarters, and various plants, 4. Luminar headquarters and various plants, 5. Chrysler Brampton assembly, 6. Chrysler casting, 7. Honda Assembly, 8. Toyota assembly, 9. GM CAMI assembly, 10. Chrysler Windsor assembly, 11. Ford Windsor engine plant, 12, GM St Catherine casting, Plus about 30 distribution centres and over 100 tier two assembly plants…not to mention the upcoming VW battery plant and the Chrysler battery plant (maybe). Pretty good i would say.