Press releases from the coalition

Companies commend bipartisan effort to expand electric vehicles in Michigan

Companies across Michigan commend state lawmakers today for taking steps to expand access to electric vehicles and encourage the deployment of charging infrastructure throughout the state.

Among the companies supporting the expansion of electric vehicles in Michigan today are Ben & Jerry’s, IKEA US, Crystal Mountain and Worthen Industries.

Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-13) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers from both the Michigan House and Senate introduced a package of bills on June 20 that would lay the foundation for a competitive electric vehicle market in the state.

The legislation (SB 406-409, HB 4786-4789) would:

• Create an electric vehicle council within the Michigan Department of Transportation to develop programs and incentives to ensure effective deployment of electric vehicles.
• Allow Michigan to install electric vehicle charging stations at state parks and park-and-ride facilities.
• Provide tax incentives for small businesses and multi-unit housing owners to install electric vehicle charging stations.

Sens. Erika Geiss (D-6), Kim LaSata (R-21) and Michael MacDonald (R-10) and Reps. Julie Alexander (R-064), Joseph Bellino (R-017), David LaGrand (D-075) and Tim Sneller (D-050) joined Sen. McMorrow as co-sponsors. They also called for additional legislators to sign on to the bills.

“At Crystal Mountain, our investment in five electric vehicle charging stations has allowed us to attract new guests and also benefits our property owners and employees,” said Jim MacInnes, CEO at Crystal Mountain. “Widespread adoption of electric vehicles will improve public health, mitigate climate change and generate savings for residents and businesses alike. Policies that accelerate electric vehicle adoption and access to electric vehicle charging will unlock these benefits and more.”

“As the home of the U.S. auto industry, Michigan is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in the transition to clean transportation,” said Dennis Sasseville, corporate sustainability and quality systems director at Worthen Industries. “Smart policies that support transportation electrification will spur investment and innovation in Michigan’s vehicle manufacturing industry. These policies will also help to attract companies like Worthen Industries that are seeking access to technologies and programs to help reduce carbon emissions throughout our supply chain.”

Electric vehicles can generate long-term savings for Michigan businesses and all ratepayers. A cost-benefit analysis found that Michigan electric vehicle owners can expect to save about $23.1 billion on fuel and maintenance costs by 2050. At the same time, all Michigan ratepayers can expect to save up to $2.6 billion on their electricity bills and reap the equivalent of $5.7 billion in benefits associated with reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A Ceres report found these benefits outweigh the cost of electric vehicle charging infrastructure investment by more than three to one.

“This package of bills is an important first step for Michigan to develop a policy framework that will allow the state to unlock the benefits of a thriving electric vehicle market,” said Sara Forni, senior manager of clean vehicles at Ceres. “Companies in Michigan and across the U.S. are beginning to invest in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure because they know it is good for business and good for the communities where they operate. Businesses can attract employees and customers by offering both workplace and customer charging options.”

“IKEA is committed to accelerating electric vehicle deployment. We’re investing in widespread electric vehicle charging at our stores and planning for 100 percent of our home deliveries to be made by zero emission vehicles by 2025,” said Lisa Davis, sustainability manager at IKEA US. “We do this because we see the benefits electric vehicles provide to our business, from employee recruitment and retention to increased visitation. Policies that increase the availability of and access to electric vehicles will help us achieve our goals.”

“At Ben & Jerry’s, we understand that climate change poses a direct threat to our ingredient supply chain, and therefore our business,” said Chris Miller, head of global activism strategy at Ben & Jerry’s. “We see a rapid decarbonization of the economy as an urgent policy priority; given that transportation is the largest source of GHG emissions in the U.S., widespread adoption of zero emissions electric vehicles is critical. Michigan’s proposed legislation to scale electric vehicle charging and make it more accessible and affordable is a significant step toward a cleaner and more efficient transportation sector.”

Corporate fleets are both a major cost and a significant source of carbon emissions. Research shows that transitioning to electric vehicles can save companies up to $1,070 per vehicle per year in fuel costs alone, in addition to the money saved on maintenance.

About Ceres

Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. For more information, visit www.ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.