Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Fund New Electric Vehicle Corridor Between Michigan and Canada

You could soon drive from Kalamazoo all the way to Quebec City in an electric vehicle (EV) without having to worry about running out of power or how to charge your car, thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Canadian Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra, and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan on Tuesday to announce the construction of the first binational EV corridor between the U.S. and Canada. 

The corridor will stretch nearly 900 miles between the two cities and will feature EV charging stations about every 50 miles, according to a press release. 

The construction of a corridor between the U.S. and Canada is the result of President Biden’s infrastructure law, which was signed in 2021 and paved the way for historic investments in everything from public transportation to broadband internet and clean energy.

So far, the law has allocated $39.7 million to Michigan to build a network of EV chargers across the state. In total, Michigan can expect to receive roughly $110 million over five years to support the expansion of electric vehicle charging.

The officials present all praised the deal. 

“I am proud that we are working together to build up electric vehicle charging infrastructure,” Gov. Whitmer said during a news conference at the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority. “With the resources headed our way from President [Joe] Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the bold investments Michigan automakers are making right here in Michigan, we will build and lead the future of mobility.” 

Buttigieg highlighted the new job opportunities that will come from projects like the EV corridor.

“With historic investments in EV infrastructure from the Biden-Harris Administration and the Canadian government, we are creating a new generation of good-paying manufacturing jobs, making it possible for drivers everywhere to reap the benefits and savings of these vehicles while helping us fight climate change,” he said at the event. 

Mayor Duggan expressed excitement about Detroit serving as a hub for the EV economy.

“This corridor will carry the flow of EV traffic, trade and manufacturing between the United States and Canada, through Detroit’s international crossing with Windsor,” he said. 

In addition to making electric vehicle charging and the movement of people and goods easier, Gov. Whitmer has launched  a new website where Michiganders can look for career opportunities in the expanding automotive mobility and electrification industry. 

Tuesday’s announcement also builds on President Biden’s March visit to Canada, where he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed how their two countries can work together to further define electric vehicle charging standards. The two leaders also discussed creating corridors such as the one announced.