The State of Michigan is gearing up for electrifying changes in the automotive world in the next few decades, thanks in large part to the dedicated teams on Governor Whitmer's Council on Future Mobility and Electrification and Council on Climate Solutions.

More funding for electric vehicles coming from latest round of Volkswagen settlement grants

LANSING – Michigan groups support grants announced today from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) for five organizations to receive more than $1.5 million in grants to replace their old diesel trucks with new all-electric vehicles. 

Michigan continues to use its share of Volkswagen settlement funds to fund the replacement of older and polluting diesel vehicles across the state. The organizations to receive funding under EGLE’s Fuel Transformation Program to support the transition to zero-emissions vehicles include Cintas Corporation, the City of Ann Arbor, Padnos, Granger Container Services and the City of Grand Rapids.

“These EGLE grants will help reduce emissions from dirty diesel trucks and provide Michiganders with cleaner and safer air to breathe,” said Kindra Weid, a registered nurse and coalition coordinator MI Air MI Health. “It is crucial to reduce air pollution that causes chronic heart and lung conditions, especially with the increased risk for COVID-19 and other illnesses. We need even more funding opportunities in Michigan to ensure that more of these trucks transition to clean, electric technology.” 

These EGLE funded projects will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in nine counties across the state including Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Kent, Livingston, Oakland, Ottawa, Washtenaw and Wayne.  

“EGLE’s all-electric commercial vehicle grants are a big boost to Michigan’s transition to cleaner transportation options that reduce pollution in our air and Great Lakes.” said Charles Griffith, Climate and Energy Program director at the Ecology Center. “As counties around the state now get to experience the benefits of all-electric trucks and cleaner air, Michigan will be one step closer to achieving Gov. Whitmer and President Biden’s ambitious climate and carbon neutrality goals.”