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Ottawa County and Hope College are undertaking a first-of-its-kind countywide electric vehicle charging assessment. This new study will help prepare Michigan’s fastest-growing county for the era of the electric vehicle (EV). [Stock image]
Hope College, County team up to better understand future EV charger demand
With guidance from County, student consultants from Hope's Center for Leadership are conducting deep dive into local EV needs, challenges
With electric vehicles sharing our roads in growing numbers, Ottawa County and Hope College are undertaking a first-of-its-kind countywide electric vehicle charging assessment. This new study will help prepare Michigan's fastest-growing county for the era of the electric vehicle (EV).
"The manner by which we'll travel by vehicle is changing," said Paul Sachs, Ottawa County's Department of Strategic Impact director. "To prepare for an all-electric vehicle future, we need to understand our current infrastructure landscape and the anticipated needs of residents."
"The manner by which we'll travel by vehicle is changing. To prepare for an all-electric vehicle future, we need to understand our current infrastructure landscape and the anticipated needs of residents."
Paul Sachs, Ottawa County’s Department of Strategic Impact director
Already in the midst of conducting EV charger research, an opportunity arose for the County to collaborate with Hope College's Center for Leadership (CFL) Consulting Program, which offers college students real-world experience to conduct research and solve problems for businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations. CFL received underwriting for the collaborative opportunity through Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, which is helping lead Michigan's EV transformation.
With guidance from the County's Department of Strategic Impact, four CFL students will conduct the assessment with mentor Bob Bieri, senior vice president and general manager for Lacks Enterprises, a Grand Rapids-based automobile parts manufacturer.
"Ottawa County and Consumers Energy have given Hope Students (CFL) an amazing opportunity to wrestle with how fast the EV automotive market will change in Ottawa County," said Bieri. "Envisioning and preparing for the needs and desires of consumers who have yet to participate in the EV market is an awesome challenge and it will require unique collaboration. We are truly grateful for this partnership."
"Ottawa County and Consumers Energy have given Hope Students (CFL) an amazing opportunity to wrestle with how fast the EV automotive market will change in Ottawa County."
Bob Bieri, Hope College Center For Leadership Consulting mentor
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In Michigan, EV registrations climbed nearly 60 percent in the past year, according to Secretary of State data, and they've tripled in communities that Consumers Energy serves in less than three years. Consumers Energy plans to power one million electric vehicles by 2030, and state leaders expect two million in total, as the auto industry, energy providers and policymakers make EV adoption more convenient and affordable.
Preparing for this electrified vehicle future is part-and-parcel to "The Ottawa Way" - the County's commitment to excellence and the delivery of cost-effective public service.
"This is the time for Michigan to lay the groundwork for our state's transformation," said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience. "Consumers Energy already has powered nearly 2,500 EV chargers for homes, businesses, and the public, and we applaud Hope College and Ottawa County taking a strategic look at the community's needs."
Split into a fall and spring session, this project will include spatial and technical analyses of suitable charger locations, along with, but not limited to: equipment and maintenance options; ownership structures; best practices; and a thorough cost-model of anticipated multi-year expenses and revenues, infrastructure needs, and limitations. An important element to this work also includes determining whether this type of infrastructure is best supported by public tax dollars or privatization, or even a combination thereof.
"This unique collaboration is a win-win for Ottawa County and Hope. Department staff are eager to tap the energy, collective ambition, and critical thinking of Hope College students and their mentor to future-proof our County while valuing public resources, as well as help the next generation gain the experience and hone skills they need to be successful and contribute to society in a meaningful way," said Sachs.
For more information on this collaborative initiative, contact the Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact at 616-738-4852, or email Plan@MiOttawa.org. For more information on the Hope College Center for Leadership, visit hope.edu/academics/center-leadership/student-consulting.html
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