Northwest Wayne News

In order to increase mobility solutions for the communities across the state, Michigan will be providing two companies with grants through its Mobility Funding Platform program.

According to a news release from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a sum of $85,000 will be provided to Arrive and WiTricity to provide assessments on mobility ventures at the Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL) to clear any potential hurdles and augment electric vehicle (EV) capabilities.

“These grants and the testing they fund will help Michigan continue to lead the future of mobility and innovation, positioning Michigan’s economy for long-term economic growth and success,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “These projects will build on our rich auto manufacturing heritage and help our mobility leaders create a more sustainable and accessible mobility ecosystem in our state, designed to benefit all of our residents and make their lives easier. Together, we will continue growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs, and getting things done.”

Chief Mobility Officer with the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) Trevor Pawl said they were honored to back the companies working at the Detroit Smart Parking Lab because their ventures will help mobility efforts throughout the country.

“Michigan is well-positioned to lead the charge on solving the mobility challenges of today and the future,” said Pawl.

A news release reports that the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform is centered on enhancing environmental resourcefulness through EV endeavors that will revitalize transportation systems

“Convenient and accessible chargers are one of the key barriers to mainstream adoption of electric vehicles. We are excited to partner with parking operators and property owners that will be key to the solution for multi-family and mixed-use residential real estate,” said Dan Roarty, chief operating officer for FLASH. “This venture will unlock the real-time, space-level visibility that enables low-cost enforcement and integrated parking and charging reservation capabilities when paired with artificial intelligence.”

OFME reviews applications with Bosch, Ford Motor Company and Bedrock to proceed with grants at the Detroit Smart Parking Lab, according to the release.

“We’re excited to participate in DSPL’s promotion of technologies that enable smart parking while proving the added benefits of wireless charging,” said Alex Gruzen, CEO, WiTricit. “We improve the driver experience with a simpler charging solution that’s just as fast and efficient as the plug. With the WiTricity Halo wireless charging solution, you just park and walk away, always returning to a fully charged vehicle.”