The governors of five midwestern states -- Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin -- have teamed up to create a new charging station network for electric vehicles. REV Midwest (the Regional Electric Vehicle Midwest Coalition) aims to help the midwestern economy decrease vehicle emissions.

Why this Matters

The future continues to point toward electric cars as an essential element of climate action plans. The public and private sectors have teamed up to make US infrastructure more EV-friendly. The Biden Administration aims to make EVs half of all new vehicles sold by 2030. In August, the EPA announced a 10% increase in efficiency standards for 2023 and proposed a light vehicle fuel economy standard of 52 mpg by 2026. Last year, Governor Gavin Newsom even issued an executive order to phase out the sale of gas-powered vehicles in California by 2035, with many states doing the same.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer emphasized that these changes will have various benefits for the Midwest:

Today's REV Midwest partnership is a bipartisan effort to build the future of mobility and electrification and connect our communities. Our partnership will enable the Midwest to lead on electric vehicle adoption, reduce carbon emissions, spur innovation, and create good-paying jobs.

Steering Toward Electric Transportation

REV Midwest plans to install more charging stations, which would make it easier for drivers to switch to EVs. States will also create a network that allows medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles to have charging options.

The plan also hopes to create jobs for Midwesterners and make EVs cheaper and more accessible. It will also reduce toxic emissions near main highways and shipping facilities where many disadvantaged communities are located.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb highlighted the importance of refining electric charging infrastructure "to futureproof our transportation network and meet the demand as rapid adoption of electric vehicles continues."