New EV Fast-Charging Stations Available On Detroit's Belle Isle

DETROIT — Electric vehicle drivers can now quickly charge their car while visiting Belle Isle.

State officials announced the island now has two self-pay EV fast-charging stations, making them the first EV chargers at a state park in southeast Michigan. They are located at the Nature Center parking lot, which is on the northeastern tip of the island at 176 Lakeside Drive

Also known as DC fast chargers that coverts AC power to DC power directly to the battery, the stations can quickly charge batteries in as little as 10 minutes, depending on the vehicle's voltage capacity and battery level.

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

"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.