To help provide a more efficient charging experience for electric vehicle drivers on Belle Isle, the Detroit island state park now offers two new, self-pay EV fast-charging stations.

These are the first EV chargers at a state park in southeast Michigan.

Also known as DC fast chargers, the stations use technology that speeds up the charging process by converting AC power to DC power directly to the battery. Batteries can be charged in as little as 10 minutes, depending on the vehicle's voltage capacity and battery level. 

Electric vehicle users will pay for the charging service via the EV Connect app. The chargers dispense up to 350 kW and are 100% backed by solar and wind energy generated off-site through DTE's MIGreenPower.

The self-pay EV fast-charging sites, which are already open to the public, are located in the Belle Isle Nature Center parking lot. The nature center is managed by the Detroit Zoological Society located on the northeastern tip of the island at 176 Lakeside Drive. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to Belle Isle Park.

Under an operating agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Diatomic Energy – a Detroit-based EV charging service provider – operates the self-pay chargers on the island. A majority of funding is provided through DTE's Charging Forward program and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's Charge Up Michigan program.

"We're really excited to work with Diatomic Energy, DTE Energy and EGLE on this project," said Chuck Allen, DNR Parks and Recreation Division department analyst. "As part of a plan to help expand the footprint of EV chargers in the state, there is also an additional effort underway to install chargers at several state parks and a state fish hatchery over the next few years."

View a list of current and planned EV charging station installations at DNR-managed state parks and fish hatcheries.

For more information on EV charging stations at Belle Isle Park and across Michigan state parks, contact Chuck Allen at 989-305-1684 or AllenC9@Michigan.gov. For information on Belle Isle Park, contact Karis Floyd at 313-821-9844 or KarisF@Michigan.gov.