Harnessing private, state, and federal investments, Michigan is building an innovative “Truck Stop of the Future” in Redford. Strategically located at the 130-acre Daimler Truck North America facility next to the busy I-96 freeway, the facility is a critical step in creating the infrastructure needed to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and a zero-emission future.
According to the Michigan Economic Development Authority, “this location sees more than 10,000 medium and heavy-duty commercial trucks travel daily across the state, or across the state’s borders into Canada.” Michigan accounts for 30% of all truck and rail freight between the United States and Canada, making Redford an ideal first location for this project. Electricity will be provided by DTE Energy and the facility will offer charging for passenger vehicles as well.
As Government Technology writes, “Michigan has been actively focused on developing charging infrastructure with initiatives like the U.S.-Canada EV Corridor, which will place fast DC chargers at 50-mile intervals along routes from Michigan into Quebec, Canada.” The move to develop a charging hub for heavy-duty trucks,” they continue, “marks a new move in the decades-old model of the highway truck stop, evolving from a facility selling diesel and snacks or fast food, to quiet, clean and technologically advanced way stations.” These developments are an essential part of making the transition to an emission-free economy and truck drivers will enjoy fast, clean, hassle-free recharging.
“After decades of underinvestment, the condition of America’s infrastructure is now finally getting better instead of worse – and today we proudly announce our support for 148 more projects in communities of every size across the country,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg when the program was announced. “Through [the Biden-Harris] Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re funding projects across the country to make roads safer, make it easier for people to move around their community, make transportation infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather, and improve supply chains to keep costs down for consumers.”
The project is the result of public and private partnerships and funding, with $13,000,000 coming from public resources including $8,500,000 thanks to the Biden-Harris administration’s Infrastructure Law.
In announcing the project, Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II said, “Freight trucks drive commerce, deliver goods, and connect businesses throughout the nation, which is why it is critical to prepare this industry for the future. Our Mobility Charging Hub will help more companies electrify their fleets, cement Michigan’s leadership in the future of freight, and rebuild our transportation infrastructure to support the economy of tomorrow.”
DTE Energy will operate the EV charging stations, solar canopies, battery energy storage systems, and more. The innovation hub also will serve as a testing space for further innovations.
THREE KEY FACTS:
- Funding from the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law is making an advanced “Truck Stop of the Future” possible.
- This innovation hub is an exciting and essential part of moving toward an emissions-free future.
- By harnessing both public and private investments, the “Truck Stop of the Future” is a win-win for ALL including commercial drivers and their employers, drivers of passenger EVs, energy suppliers, and equipment manufacturers.
