Guide to Electric Vehicles in Michigan

Michigan's distinct seasons make it an ideal state for car exploration. You can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and open roads here. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a smart choice, offering a quiet and smooth drive, perfect for soaking in stunning landscapes.

From the urban streets of Detroit and Grand Rapids to epic rural highways running through the great lakes, a Michigan road trip is sure to be an experience you won’t forget. Though the state adheres to standard US traffic laws, there are still some key facts and information that EV drivers in Michigan should be aware of. Read on to get clued up.

Jump to a section:

• How many EVs are there in Michigan?
• Are there incentives for electric cars in Michigan?
• EV registration, licensing, and fees in Michigan
• Michigan EV charging network

How Many EVs Are There in Michigan?

There were 17,500 EVs registered in Michigan in 2021. That’s 0.2% of the state’s 8.7 million total vehicle registrations, and 1% of the USA’s 1.7 million registered EVs. This figure also represents 42% year on year growth compared to the 10,620 electric vehicles registered in Michigan in 2020.

Michigan is not a ZEV state. This means it is not part of the program that encourages EV investment. It's not all bad news, as with the rise of electric cars, the state may consider offering more incentives for EVs.

Loving these car facts? Check out trip inspiration on touring Detriot as a motorhead for more car-related fun.

Are There Incentives for Electric Cars in Michigan?

There are no tax credits available for EV drivers in Michigan although they could be eligible for federal tax credits. State incentives for EVs in Michigan include a $500 rebate for residential customers who install EV charging points at home. There are also financial incentives aimed at private companies to promote EV infrastructure. No discounts or free charging incentives are available as of 2023.

EV Registration, Licensing, and Fees in Michigan

It costs $140 to register an EV in Michigan. On top of this, EV drivers are subject to some, but not all, road taxes. As of 2023, there are concerns about the dent in the state’s road budget caused by EVs paying fewer road taxes.  Other states are more enthusiastic about EVs than Michigan, as they offer very few incentives for EV drivers.

Michigan's EV charging network

In 2022, 1,033 charging stations and 2,322 charging points were located across Michigan. The majority of charging stations in Michigan are Level 2, which costs around $0.31 per kWh. Superchargers can cost up to $0.66 per kWh and lower-level chargers can cost as little as $0.17 per kWh for residents.

There are plans to increase the level of fast charging stations available, and residents who install a charging point at home could be eligible for a $500 rebate.

The Michigan state government has also announced plans to increase its charging network to support up to 2 million EVs by 2030.

Let's Go!

Enjoy exploring Michigan state in a Tesla or Polestar Hertz rental With plenty of charging stations and relatively cheap charging costs available across the state, there’s no reason not to pick an EV today.

Whether you love Chicago's deep dish pizza or visiting the beautiful grand rapids, there's a lot to do - so get packing!