The landscape of electric vehicle (EV) charging is expanding and Michigan is leading the way, with two new EV charging stations now available on Belle Isle.
These stations are the first of their kind in southeast Michigan’s state parks, and there are plans to install more by the end of the year.
The addition of these charging stations addresses a common concern among current and potential EV owners: the fear of being stranded without a place to charge.
Glen Ryder, a regular visitor to Belle Isle, expressed his enthusiasm for the new stations, stating, “I thought about an electric vehicle but it just kind of concerned me. I don’t want to get trapped somewhere and I really can’t charge up the vehicle.”
The charging stations are not only convenient but also encourage visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the park while their vehicles charge.
Chuck Allen from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) explained, “You can spend as little as ten minutes charging your vehicle there.” He added that while there is a fee for using the two fast-charging stations outside of the nature center, the other five charging stations – one at Bay City State Park and four at Holland State Park – are free to use.
The Michigan DNR has ambitious plans for the future. By the end of the year, 18 state parks in Michigan will have EV charging stations, including locations along the Lake Michigan coast, the I-75 corridor, and in Northeast Michigan along Lake Huron. The goal is to encourage more drivers to switch to electric vehicles.
The installation of these charging stations comes at no cost to the DNR or state taxpayers, thanks to partnerships and grants. This initiative is part of a larger trend across the country. Private campgrounds are also beginning to offer EV charging stations. For instance, KOA campgrounds have started to provide EV charging at select locations, and other campgrounds are following suit.
The integration of EV charging stations into state parks and private campgrounds is a significant step towards making electric vehicles a more viable option for the public. It not only addresses the concern of finding places to charge but also encourages people to enjoy nature while doing so.
The emergence of EV charging stations in state parks and private campgrounds is a promising development in the push for electric vehicle adoption.
By addressing the concern of charging accessibility and integrating these stations into enjoyable recreational areas, the hope is to encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.