Midwestern governors launch electric vehicle scenic route along Lake Michigan shores

Coming soon to Lake Michigan: "America's next iconic road trip route," electric edition.

Governor Tony Evers announced on Tuesday a joint venture with his counterparts in Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois to build a scenic lakeshore route spanning 1,100 miles, complete with a network of electric vehicle chargers.

"Making our beautiful coastal communities not only more accessible to EVs but protecting them through lower emissions is a win-win for Wisconsin," Evers said in a press release.

The effort seeks to boost tourism in the region while decreasing carbon emissions. Charging stations will be located at tourism attractions like state parks or entertainment centers in population centers like Milwaukee and Green Bay.

The network, parts of which are already in operation, is expected to be fully connected within the next few years.

Both electric vehicles and chargers have received recently federal attention as solutions that would limit carbon emissions while boosting manufacturing.

Wisconsin is set to receive $79 million over five years from the 2021 bipartisan federal infrastructure package that can be put toward building out charging stations. A climate and tax bill being considered by the U.S. Senate would extend a $7,500 tax credit for the purchase of new EVs and create a new $4,500 credit for used EVs.

Electric vehicles have seen significant sales growth in Wisconsin as manufacturing prices dropped over the last decade. Demand for EVs has further surged in recent years as consumers seek to replace gas-powered vehicles amid record gas prices.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Governors launch electric vehicle scenic route around Lake Michigan