Challenges in Progress of EV Chargers Raise Eyebrows in South Lyon
In South Lyon, the local government and the downtown development group are butting heads over issues with the rollout of charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). The utility provider, DTE, has given the green light for the installation in three of the proposed five locations. Still, ChargEV, the company tasked with the installation, is apparently hitting roadblocks.
“Seems like we’re stuck in the mud with this ChargEV group,” shared one of the city council members, Alex Hansen. He expressed his frustration during a discussion with the head of the downtown development group, Nate Mack. “Sounds to me like maybe it’s time to consider other options. I heard Farmington got their chargers in less than six months. We’ve been waiting on this for three years!” Hansen lamented.
Another council member, Margaret Kurtzweil, put forward a query to Mack, “Are there netted some rules that would stop you from scouting a different supplier?”. In response, Mack revealed that they had entered into a contract with ChargEV but did not know offhand the specifics of how they could sever ties with them. He noted he would need to review the contract and possibly seek legal counsel.
Mack shared with the council that the city’s original deal stumbled and fell through. Subsequently, they entered into a contract with ChargEV the previous year. “Honestly, the current deal we have is pretty inexpensive for us to get the chargers set up,” he remarked, adding that the downtown development group would foot most of the bill. Mack acknowledged that the group’s budget was modest, limiting what they could achieve.
The council members were left puzzled, under the impression that the chargers were supposed to be installed at zero cost, with the city getting a cut of the revenues. “It seems like ChargEV is now proposing we pay a part of the install fee, and that we’d get a bigger cut of the revenue later on,” Mack revealed. For the time being, however, there has been no official action taken on this matter.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
