The state of Michigan has announced a new program to encourage electrification of its thriving outdoor recreation sector.

The Mobility Public-Private Partnership & Programming (MP4) grant program is kicking off with grants to three companies: Polaris, Electric Outdoors and Snowbotix will receive $1,225,000 in total funding from the MP4 program.

Polaris will receive $700,000 to establish a network of charging stations for electric off-road vehicles. The integrated network of multi-modal EV charging infrastructure will be available within a public off-road vehicle trail system, starting in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Starting next year, Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures, a Polaris Adventures Outfitter in Ontonagon, will operate a fleet of all-electric Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic off-road vehicles as a part of its rental offerings.

Electric Outdoors will receive $325,000 to design, build and deploy EO-Canopy, a solar-powered, off-grid battery storage destination platform designed to enable EV charging at rural campsites and other destinations.

Snowbotix, a manufacturer of electric multi-utility robots, will receive $200,000 to electrify and automate labor-intensive and dangerous outdoor maintenance tasks, including snow removal, snow grooming, cleaning, power washing and vegetation control. The company will deploy a fleet of electric, autonomous multi-utility robots. 

“The outdoor recreation sector was worth $10.8 billion to the state’s economy in 2021, providing more than 100,000 direct jobs, sparking entrepreneurship and providing opportunities to our designers, engineers and suppliers in every corner of Michigan,” said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Supporting innovative companies that modernize and enhance outdoor recreation vehicles and experiences is not only an investment in economic growth, but also in the preservation and enjoyment of our natural landscapes.”  

“Billions of dollars are being invested in the transformation of the outdoor mobility experience through electrification and supporting technologies,” said Kathryn Snorrason, Michigan’s Interim Chief Mobility Officer. “By aligning our industry-leading initiatives and investment in vehicle technology with the expanding outdoor industry, we can attract industry investment and talent from across the nation while improving accessibility and sustainability within our outdoor recreational assets.”

Source: Michigan Economic Development Corporation