EVgo and Meijer team up to bring up to 480 fast-charging stalls to Midwest grocery stores, fueling Michigan’s EV charging hub revolution with a sustainable future in mind.
Michigan’s Grocery Stores to Host EV Fast Charging Revolution
EVgo Inc., one of the largest public fast charging networks in the U.S., and Meijer, a leading Midwest grocery chain, are accelerating Michigan’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Announced this week, the partnership will deploy up to 480 new fast charging stalls at Meijer properties across Michigan and five other states, solidifying the region’s infrastructure for EV growth.
So far, 24 EVgo charging stalls have been installed at six Meijer locations in Michigan and Ohio. With plans to expand to 30 new stations by 2026 and another 30 by 2027, the move underscores Meijer’s commitment to sustainability and EVgo’s ambition to make fast charging more accessible.
Meijer’s Efforts Dovetail With Michigan EV Efforts
In 2022, three Midwest governors announced a collaboration to build America’s first scenic all-electric vehicle road trip route, specifically for electric vehicles (EV) around one of America’s Great Lakes. The scenic Lake Michigan Circuit Tour project looks to create a high-tech EV ribbon around America’s Great Lake of the Midwest. Late in 2021, Michigan announced the Lake Michigan Circuit project. This was a first-of-its-kind, EV-friendly route along Michigan’s west coast. That project has expanded and will now be a loop around Lake Michigan.
“Electric Miles Meet Grocery Aisles”: Why It Matters
“Fast charging should be an effortless part of drivers’ daily routines, and nothing is more routine than a trip to the grocery store,” said Dennis Kish, President of EVgo. As EV adoption surges in Michigan and beyond, the initiative reflects a growing demand for public fast charging options, particularly in rural and suburban areas where traditional charging stations are sparse.
Michigan, already home to one of the nation’s most significant automotive hubs, is poised to benefit greatly from this expansion. By 2024, EV sales represented 7% of new car purchases in the state, a figure expected to rise with improved infrastructure.
Sustainability at the Core of Meijer’s Expansion
Meijer’s push to host EVgo stalls aligns with its broader sustainability goals. The retailer already offers EV charging hubs at more than 35% of its stores and recently surpassed its target of reducing carbon emissions by 50%—a year ahead of schedule. “Access to electric vehicle charging is an essential pillar of our broader sustainability goals,” said Erik Petrovskis, Director of Environmental Compliance and Sustainability at Meijer.
By pairing carbon footprint reduction initiatives with practical customer solutions, Meijer aims to inspire other retailers to take similar action.
Federal Support Boosts EVgo’s Nationwide Ambitions
EVgo’s plans are bolstered by a conditional $1.05 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy. The funding supports a customer-centric charging network expansion, including the ambitious Meijer rollout. With over 1,000 charging locations in 40 states, EVgo is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for EV infrastructure.
As part of the partnership, customers can access real-time pricing and charger availability via the EVgo app, ensuring a seamless charging experience.
Broader Implications for Michigan Drivers and the EV Future
This initiative signifies a broader shift in the Midwest, where automakers and retailers collaborate to drive EV adoption. With Michigan’s economic and environmental stakes in transportation electrification, the partnership between EVgo and Meijer sets a precedent for others in the retail and energy sectors.
For Michigan residents, the rollout brings convenience and a vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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