Michigan’s Electric Vehicle Resource Guide and Incentives
If you've got questions about Michigan's electric vehicle incentives for 2024, live in the greater Grand Rapids region, and are a Consumers Energy customer, we've got you covered at Betten Volkswagen.
Michigan's Clean Energy Future is Bright
In November 2023, Michigan set ambitious goals to lead the clean energy movement. According to Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the state aims to be among the top five in the nation for its clean energy plans, drawing heavily on federal funding by securing $8 billion and benefitting from newly passed laws that will create 160,000 new jobs, raising the state to the highest number of clean energy jobs created in the Midwest. Most importantly, it aims to save Michigan households money.
Smart Charging Incentives
The Smart Charging Incentive Program allows Michigan families to save on fuel costs for personal transportation while taking part in their state's contributions to a better environment and a healthier future that creates less air pollution for us, our children, and our grandchildren. Taking part in Michigan's clean energy programs also supports Michigan's longstanding commitment to building, manufacturing, and distributing automotive vehicles and aftermarket parts, helping to ensure the long-term success of the state's leadership in the future of the automotive industry.
Consumers Energy, the major electric power company in Western Michigan, is on board and on target to meet the growing demand of the booming electric vehicle market and the expanding needs placed on electric home energy use to fuel the vehicles of tomorrow and today. They're offering Kentwood-area customers the ability to save money on their home energy bills through smart charging incentives.
Nighttime Saver Rate
There are many benefits of nighttime EV charging. Allendale-area customers will want to take advantage of higher savings by using the Nighttime Saver Rate with Consumers Energy. The concept of this savings plan is simple to understand. During the day, people are awake and busy running their homes, businesses, schools, and residences. This puts an enormous drain on the capacity of electric energy providers to meet the high level of demand in a specific period of "peak" energy use. To encourage customers to use energy at nighttime "off-peak" hours, Consumers Energy offers its energy customers the Nighttime Savers Rate plan.
Wyoming, MI-area Consumers Energy customers will also enjoy additional savings when they charge their plug-in electric vehicles during the "super off-peak" hours from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Home Charger Installation Incentives and Qualification Requirements
If you're purchasing an electric vehicle, you'll want to save $500 with the PowerMIDrive™ Home Charger Installation rebate program when you install a new Level 2 charger in your home using a professional electrician.
To qualify for this offer, you must meet the following four criteria:
- Be a current residential electric customer of Consumers Energy
- Have ordered, leased, reserved, or own an EV vehicle
- Enroll in the Nighttime Savers Rate EV plan
- Install a Level 2 home charger
The Level 2 home charger you buy must only generate at most 9.6-kW using a maximum of a 50-amp circuit with an output of no more than 40 amps. If the Level 2 charger is not provided directly by the automotive manufacturer, it must be both Energy-Star-rated and UL-certified.
Should you already own a home charger, like the qualifying one described, it is still possible to qualify for the offer.
To get started, visit the Consumers Energy website and complete a Residential PowerMIDrive EV Enrollment Application online.
FAQs
How Does Home Charging Work>
Professionally installed Level 2 chargers are the most common method for charging your EV at home. Plug in your vehicle for an overnight charge, and you're ready to go the next day.
How to Install Your Home Charger
A Level 2 home charger is hardwired into your home's electricity, requiring a certified electrician's installation.
How Can I Find Public Chargers Near Me?
Consumers Energy offers an online map on their website that will help you locate charging stations in the greater Grand Rapids region.
How Does Public Charging Work?
Level 2 public chargers are usually found at public spots like hotels, coffee shops, or business areas. Some companies also provide EV charging as a benefit for their employees and customers and make them available free of charge. DC fast public chargers, on the other hand, are placed like gas stations along major highways and roads and provide the quickest charging option currently available.
When Planning a Road Trip, How Do I Prepare and Stay Charged on the Road?
The right equipment is the key to a safe, sustainable trip. You'll want to keep your Level 1 and Level 2 charging cables in your vehicle and your mobile phone with you because some Level 2 chargers require an app.
Discover Which EV is Right for You
At Betten Volkswagen, located in Grand Rapids, MI, we encourage you to visit our dealership's online showroom to browse our available EV inventory.
Select from among our large selection of new Volkswagen EV models, which include:
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Volkswagen ID.4
Volkswagen ID.Buzz
Volkswagen ID.7
When you lease a Volkswagen EV, Volkswagen Credit has a credit package to help you finance a Level 2 charger from Electrify America and finance up to $1,000 toward charger installation by Qmerit, which provides a nationwide network of certified installers.