The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), through its Energy Unit, is offering grants under the Clean Fuel & Charging Infrastructure Program. This program is designed to support the deployment of non-publicly available Level 2 alternating current (AC) electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at multifamily housing units across Michigan. The funding aims to cover costs related to make-ready upgrades, maintenance and operations contracts, and networking or data plans. The grant period will commence upon execution of the agreement, with funds to be allocated on a rolling basis until depletion.

The purpose of this grant is to address the limited availability of EV charging stations in multifamily residential settings. The initiative aligns with Michigan’s broader climate goals by facilitating the decarbonization of transportation, providing residents with affordable and accessible at-home charging solutions, and promoting environmental sustainability. Key priorities include equitable access to EV charging, reducing barriers to transportation electrification, supporting workforce development, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and expanding Michigan’s EV charging infrastructure.

The total funding available for this program is $5,000,000, with a maximum individual grant award of $300,000. Applicants with projects located in environmental justice communities, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency’s EJScreen tool, are not required to provide matching funds. However, other applicants must provide a minimum of 30% match of the total requested grant funds. The funds will be distributed on a reimbursement basis, requiring applicants to cover initial expenses before receiving grant payments.

Eligible applicants include any organization interested in deploying Level 2 AC EV charging stations at multifamily housing properties in Michigan. Multifamily housing is defined as residential buildings with two or more units. Proposed projects must ensure long-term viability of the charging infrastructure and meet specific technical requirements such as power output minimums, safety measures, and operational standards. Ineligible applicants include entities or individuals currently suspended or debarred by the State of Michigan or the federal government, as well as projects that do not take place within the state or involve non-commercially available technology.

Applications must be submitted online and include a completed budget form, a detailed project timeline, an organizational chart, financial statements, and property layouts indicating charger locations. Additional documentation may be required, including letters of support, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Section 106 review forms for projects affecting historic properties, and proof of utility coordination. Applications will be evaluated based on program objectives, the comprehensiveness of the proposal, operational feasibility, and alignment with environmental justice goals.

Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with funds allocated until they are exhausted. Selected applicants must comply with all reporting and operational requirements outlined in the grant agreement. The deadline for spending awarded funds is September 30, 2027. All inquiries regarding the program should be directed to Nicki Guggemos at EGLE via email.