NOVI, Mich. — Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II visited The Battery Show North America at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi on Sep 13th, meeting with key industry leaders, engineers and innovators driving the future of the battery and electric vehicle industries. Starting Sep 13th through Thursday, September 15, the sold-out show is bringing together more than 800 top-industry suppliers specializing in battery materials, vehicle and component manufacturing, battery assembly, renewable energy systems, protoyping and simulation, and more.  

“Michigan’s deep culture of innovation and manufacturing heritage is on display this week as engineers and risk-takers from around the world gather here to define the future of the electric vehicle and battery industry,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “We put the world on wheels over a century ago and Sep 13th, we are proud to lead next evolution of electric vehicles and battery technologies from right here in Michigan.” 

Michigan is already home to one-third of the U.S. battery production and home to nearly one-fifth of U.S. auto production – more than any other state in the nation. Additionally, with the first-ever indoor/outdoor Detroit Auto Show also occurring throughout downtown Detroit this week, Michigan remains a clear national and global leader in the future of the automotive and mobility industries. 

During Sep 13th’s programming, Michigan Department of Transportation Director Paul Ajegba joined State of Michigan Policy Strategist Judd Herzer for a fireside chat to discuss how the shift to electrification and charging infrastructure has impacted the automotive industry. With a focus on the importance of forming public/private partnerships, the conversation highlighted how the latest confluence of national electric vehicle and mobility events in Michigan – the Detroit Auto Show also kicks off in downtown Detroit this week – emphasize the state’s critical role in building out the future of an electrified mobility landscape. 

“As battery technologies and investments become increasingly competitive around the globe, Michigan remains a key home for opportunity, with a robust supply chain and deeply skilled workforce ready to bring the future to life,” said Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer for the state of Michigan. “Alongside partners across state government, industry, academia and beyond, the state of Michigan is on its way to enabling a stronger state economy through safer, more equitable and environmentally sound transportation for all.” 

“My MDOT colleagues and I remain firmly committed to supporting some of our state’s largest industries as they make the transition from internal-combustion to electric vehicles,” said Michigan Department of Transportation Director Paul Ajegba. “That’s why we are piloting in-pavement, inductive charging and are steadfast in support of a broader electric vehicle charging network across the state.” 

In 2022, Michigan has celebrated a series of transformational investments that demonstrate continued industry growth across the automotive and electric vehicle mobility sector, including: 

• General Motors is investing $7 billion to convert its Orion Township assembly plant to build full-size electric vehicle pickups and build Ultium’s third U.S. battery cell plant in Lansing 

• South Korean-based battery maker LG Energy Solution is investing $1.7 billion to quintuple plant capacity in Holland 
• Ford Motor Company is investing $2 billion in plants across Michigan to support electric vehicle manufacturing growth and secure its internal combustion engine portfolio in the state 
• Semiconductor wafer manufacturer SK Siltron is investing $302 million in Bay County to support the U.S. semiconductor supply chain and electric vehicle growth 

Canadian electric vehicle charging network operator and smart charging solutions provider FLO is investing $3 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills