How Are We Charging Detroit's Drive?

Detroit is leading the charge toward a cleaner, more connected future. Detroit Charge Ahead, led by the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation (OMI), is a citywide initiative expanding access to electric vehicle (EV) charging in neighborhoods across Detroit.

Level 2 charging stations are already active at Detroit recreation centers and the Ford Underground Parking Garage, underscoring the City’s commitment to accessible, sustainable transportation. These investments mark only the beginning of a bold vision: ensuring every Detroiter can access an EV charger within 3–5 miles of where they live, work, and play—strategically placed to power Detroit’s future.

This growing network prioritizes economic development, clean mobility with EV carsharing made accessible to the public and promote partnerships with private landowners to accelerate deployment citywide. Through collaborations and smart planning, Detroit is reinforcing its legacy as a global mobility leader — where innovation becomes accessible and clean energy drives progress.

Current Detroit Charge Ahead Sites

• Belmont Shopping Center, 1900 8 Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48234
• Livernois Surface Parking Lot, 19384 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221
• Coleman A Young Community Center,  2751 Robert Bradby Dr, Detroit, MI 48207
• Others Soon to Come

The first site under Detroit Charge Ahead, the Belmont Shopping Center Charging Station, located at 1900 8 Mile Rd, marks a major milestone. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and built by MasTec North America, the station features four DC fast chargers capable of delivering up to 150 kW each — allowing most vehicles to charge in just 15–30 minutes.

 

 

DCA EV Charging Station Details

Our very first installation, the Belmont Shopping Center Charging Station and another site on Livernois and Outer Drive, represents Detroit’s next step in building a modern, reliable, and community-centered EV network. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the station offers drivers flexible payment options and convenient access to local amenities — making it easy to power up while supporting nearby businesses.

Customers can pay using a credit card (primary method), QR code, the Red E app, RFID cards, or through integrations with OEM networks. Located within a vibrant commercial hub, the site is surrounded by neighborhood stores, restaurants, and services — giving drivers the flexibility to shop, dine, or relax while their vehicle charges.  

• Station Type: Two DC fast charging stations, serving up to four vehicles simultaneously
• Power Capacity: Up to 150 kW per port/vehicle
• Charging Time: Approximately 15–30 minutes
• Availability: 24/7 operation with on-site support (towing and maintenance phone numbers are provided on-site signage)
• Cost: $0.39 per kWh (idling fees apply)
• Reinvestment: All revenue supports a dedicated maintenance and reliability fund to ensure long-term station performance
   

Note: Lower-power EV charging, such as Level 2 chargers located at recreation centers, is currently free to use for now. This policy will be re-evaluated on an annual basis to ensure continued accessibility and financial sustainability of Detroit’s charging network.

Additional EV Chargers at Detroit Recreation Centers

The City of Detroit currently has charging sites installed at Recreation Centers to support the expansion of EV infrastructure investment and deployment to support publicly accessible EV charging.

City recreation centers, including:

• Adam Butzel, 10500 Lydon St. (District 2)
• Butzel Family, 7737 Kercheval (District 3)
• Clemente, 2631 Bagley St. (District 6)
• Coleman Young, 2751 Robert Bradby Dr. (District 5)***
• Crowell, 16630 Lahser Rd. (District 1)
• Farwell, 2711 E. Outer Drive (District 3)
• Heilmann, 19601 Crusade St. (District 3)
• Kemeny, 2260 S. Fort St. (District 6)
• Lasky, 13200 Fenelon St. (District 3)
• Patton, 2301 Woodmere St. (District 6)
• Williams, 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd. (District 5)

*Note: The Coleman A. Young Community Center has 100 kW DC fast chargers that are operational and will begin generating revenue in January 2026, making it part of the City’s revenue-collecting charging network.

The new DCA Belmont site joins a growing network of EV chargers installed at Detroit recreation centers, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These installations reflect Detroit’s commitment to making clean transportation accessible across all neighborhoods.

Currently, 11 recreation centers throughout the city feature free to use lower-power EV chargers designed for longer parking periods — ideal for residents and visitors who spend an hour or more enjoying recreational facilities and community programming. These lower-power EV chargers are free to use, helping lower the barrier to EV adoption while encouraging sustainable mobility habits.

In addition to the recreation centers, the City has also installed EV chargers at the Ford Underground Parking Garage, further expanding the public charging network downtown.

According to Detroit’s rate resolution, only high-powered DC fast chargers, such as those at the Belmont Shopping Center, will include a usage fee. This approach ensures that residents continue to benefit from some free charging options while supporting the long-term maintenance and reliability of the city’s fast-charging infrastructure.

To learn more information or for any question, reach out to us at [email protected].