City in Michigan Expands EV Fleet

The city of Marquette in Michigan will add two electric vehicles (EVs), an electric lawnmower, and two EV chargers to its fleet. 

The EV push was voted unanimously by the city commission on Monday.  

The city will also receive a MI Next Cities Smart Grant, which will reimburse Marquette up to $200,000 for the EVs and lawnmower.  

The MI Next Cities Smart Grant is a program the state of Michigan initiated to provide funding to communities to implement smart city technologies and infrastructure.  

The goal of the program is to help Michigan cities become more efficient, sustainable, and resilient by leveraging technology and data to improve the quality of life for residents. 

Once purchased, the new EVs will be used for: 

• Two 2023 Ford eTransit vans: public works and engineering departments. 
• Mean Green electric lawnmower: facilities department. 
• Two EV chargers: installed at the Marquette Municipal Service Center. 

Marquette City Commissioner Jermey Ottaway said at the meeting, “This is a huge win for Marquette. First off, it is costing us nothing, and electrification is coming. Seeing that Marquette is going to be a chosen city for being a leader in the state on this is just an awesome accomplishment all around.” 

Marquette is the third Michigan city to receive the MI Next Cities Smart Grant, also including Dearborn and Flint.