it’s electric, a Brooklyn-based electric vehicle (EV) curbside charging company, has officially launched its Detroit deployment with support from partners including the Detroit Smart Parking Lab, Bedrock, Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility, Michigan Central, Newlab, and DTE Energy.
This project marks a milestone in advancing accessible EV infrastructure across urban environments.
The initiative, supported by funding from DTE Energy’s Emerging Tech Fund, the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform, and Michigan Central’s Scale Fund, introduces small-footprint, Level-2 curbside EV chargers designed for installation at no cost to property owners or the city.
The technology, validated in 2022 at the Detroit Smart Parking Lab, features a unique behind-the-meter connection that bypasses the utility meter, reducing stress on the grid and allowing for faster installations. The chargers are also the only US curbside model with a detachable cable option. Building owners receive passive income from hosting the chargers.
The Detroit deployment builds on it’s electric’s earlier selection by the Port of San Diego to construct a 70-port electric truck charging hub. That project also includes solar generation, battery energy storage, and a community benefit program.
The Detroit initiative is expected to result in the installation of over 20 public EV chargers, with workforce development and community engagement integrated into the deployment. Skycharger will collaborate with local labor organizations, including IBEW, to prioritize local hiring in Detroit and surrounding counties. (The initial installations will be located at 1701 W Lafayette Blvd., with additional community-requested sites planned across Detroit in 2025.)
A $100,000 annual community fund has also been established, with contributions escalating annually, totaling an estimated $2.24 million over 20 years.
Building owners and drivers can join the waitlist to request a charger or detachable cable using the it’s electric mobile app.
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News