As more and more people adopt the technologically advanced electric cars, you will see charging stations sprouting up all over the Michigan area.  One of the most popular current models is the Chevrolet Volt, although adoption rates have been rather slow at this time.

Most of the charging stations in Michigan are across the southeast area; and the latest to go in are in the downtown Milford east and west municipal areas.  The charging stations can be seen in the various parking lots for those who make the trek to go downtown to hit the shops and other businesses in the area.

The installation was carried out by a company named Coulomb Technologies Inc. and much to the surprise of residents; was free.  The reason behind the free stations that could normally cost up to $17,000 for the installation; not including the cost of the actual unit itself, is because of a grant through a recent stimulus.

275 Designated Charging Stations

The grant is known as the ChargePoint America Program, and is backed by $15 million; aimed at putting charging stations across the United States.  Of those expected to be put in from the funding are 275 which will be designated to the Michigan area.

Since the technology and owners at this time are relatively sparse, the program also boasts a website for those who need to find out where they can charge up next; making the electric trek a little bit easier.

Much of this preparation and installation of charging stations is to prepare for the future.  While the stations aren’t necessarily in demand now, they will be.  The company behind the installations is called ChargeNow LLC, and they have installed over 200 stations in Michigan at this time.

Electric Ford Focus Could Stimulate Charging Station Use

Ford Motor Company who has cars manufactured at the Wayne Assembly Plant is awaiting the electric Ford Focus which should stimulate more use for the charging stations and electric cars in general in the area.

Charging stations are beginning to find their way into apartment complexes and other areas that aren’t exclusively in the highly populated commercial areas.  Currently the stations are free to use, but as the technology becomes more mainstream that won’t always be the case.  You can expect a few thousand more stations to be put in place in the next several years, but these pumps being nationally funded; saved the state some upfront costs for the ongoing project.