LANSING — Today, state Rep. David LaGrand (D-Grand Rapids) introduced House Bill 4839, which would require the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to put electric fast-charging stations at all publicly owned highway rest stops. LaGrand hopes expanding electric energy infrastructure will encourage more drivers to transition to electric vehicles and join the 21st-century revolution of transportation.
“Michigan has an opportunity to assert its leadership role in the automotive industry, and we have a duty to seize it,” LaGrand said. “Electric cars often have better safety ratings, lower maintenance costs for drivers and fewer negative impacts on the environment. With state-of-the-art electric charging stations lining our highways, we can significantly reduce the anxiety Michiganders may feel about transitioning to this new means of transportation. The future of our nation’s automotive industry starts here.”
Rep. LaGrand joins his fellow Democratic colleagues in both chambers calling for increased infrastructure in Michigan to support electric vehicles. The bill was referred to the Transportation Committee for further consideration.