Council schedules public hearing on EV‑charging ordinance to allow city stations to charge users

Council member Scott Benson introduced an ordinance that would permit the City of Detroit to charge fees at publicly provided electric‑vehicle charging stations and scheduled a public hearing on the measure.

Benson said the ordinance is intended to establish a payment framework for charging stations recently installed at recreation centers and other sites. “This is the electric vehicle charging station ordinance. This will allow the city of Detroit to charge at the EV charging stations that we now have throughout the city of Detroit,” Benson told council members during the meeting.

Why it matters: Council members said the move is aimed at expanding equitable access to EV infrastructure in neighborhoods where home charging is less feasible and to allow the city to sustain the stations it installs and operates. Benson noted the city’s approach includes slower Level 2 chargers at community sites and faster DC chargers where appropriate.

Details and process: The ordinance was read twice by title and placed on the table for a future public hearing; council staff said a hearing date would be scheduled and publicized. Benson described local pilot locations such as Triangle Hardware (Gratiot and Georgia) and recreation‑center chargers; he said the city is coordinating construction with local businesses to limit disruption.

Next steps: The council will hold a public hearing before any final vote. Benson invited questions and said staff would be available to brief members and the public about specifics of fees, station types and rollout plans.

Ending: The ordinance introduction sets up further public hearings and staff briefings before the council would consider final adoption.