Five Midwest States to Develop EV Charging Network

Five Midwestern governors have joined forces to create an electric vehicle charging network in their states, reports Bill Chappell. Governors from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin say their plan will "improve the region's economy while also reducing toxic emissions from cars and trucks." The plan, dubbed REV Midwest (Regional Electric Vehicle Midwest Coalition), aims to create jobs, improve public health, and reduce emissions, as well as attract private investment and federal funding. "Along with those broad goals, the plan promises to make it easier to find charging stations, which could boost adoption of electric vehicles if it eases drivers' concerns about the range of their batteries."

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb said the charging network is "needed to futureproof our transportation network and meet the demand as rapid adoption of electric vehicles continues." The agreement "calls for the states to speed up the creation of a network that supports medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles and to coordinate their efforts so drivers will face similar regulations and charging operations across the region," and the governors hope it will also help the Midwest "capture a larger share of electric vehicle production."

The plan also emphasizes equity, promising that the states will "work together to enable an equitable transition to electric vehicles for all with specific consideration for communities that are historically disadvantaged."