As the electric vehicle (EV) revolution gains momentum, there is a growing interest among Detroiters, particularly in the Black community, to learn more about EVs and actively participate in this transformative shift. However, concerns about accessibility and infrastructure have left many questioning the feasibility of embracing electric vehicles. In Detroit, the Smart Parking Lab is working to address these concerns by introducing innovative solutions aimed at making EV charging more accessible and seamlessly integrated into the urban landscape.
Nestled just outside downtown Detroit on West Lafayette, the Detroit Smart Parking Lab, a five-story parking garage owned by Dan Gilbert’s real estate company, Bedrock, is at the forefront of redefining how cities approach parking. Recognizing the imminent rise of electric vehicles, the lab is testing groundbreaking technologies, including floor-mounted smart charging pads and EV chargers attached to city light poles. The goal is to create a seamless parking experience where EV users can arrive, park, and charge effortlessly.
“We’re actively working with technology creators whose focus is on providing access to everyone quickly, efficiently, and affordably,” said Kevin Bopp, former Bedrock Vice President and current Chief Executive Officer at Park Rite. “There are two deployments here right now that are built around bringing EV charging into communities where perhaps there are infrastructure challenges by using the curbs and lamp post. Perfect solutions for making EV charging accessible.”
The vision of the Detroit Smart Parking Lab extends beyond traditional parking solutions. The lab envisions a future where users can notify the parking garage of their arrival through a smartphone app, park their vehicles without manual intervention, and even opt for an automated charging unit to plug in their EVs. This ambitious approach aligns with the evolving landscape of autonomous vehicles and emphasizes the need for robust charging infrastructure to support the growing fleet of electric vehicles.
Kevin Mull, Bedrock’s Senior Urban Strategy Director, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in building the necessary infrastructure for electric vehicles. “Autonomous vehicles need to rely on infrastructure, EV vehicles need to rely on charging infrastructure that gets deployed in a built environment,” says Mull. The collaboration includes local businesses, such as Elevated Parking, which is actively contributing to the development of highly efficient stacking technology.
Among the technologies showcased were cutting-edge products from Joule Labs, a company specializing in the design and construction of automated Robotic Fast EV Charging systems and services. Their offerings extend to automated charging for autonomous fleets, charging solutions for automated parking, and on-demand autonomous mobile charging in urban settings. Additionally, Tappy Guide, a provider of accessibility applications catering to individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and veterans, presented a comprehensive tool for maintaining an active lifestyle. Innovations of this nature ensure comfort and accessibility for all.
As the city of Detroit grapples with parking challenges and strives to make electric vehicles more accessible, companies like Lyft are taking steps toward a cleaner, more equitable future. Lyft has committed to transitioning to 100% electric vehicles by the end of 2030, recognizing the opportunities that the emerging EV revolution presents for racial, economic, and environmental justice. This commitment aligns with the broader goal of ensuring that the benefits of the EV market extend to all communities, including Black and Hispanic populations.
Recent studies indicate that while racial disparities exist in electric vehicle ownership, communities of color, including Black and Hispanic communities, share a strong interest in EVs and a heightened concern for climate change. Despite barriers to entry, there is a collective desire among various racial demographics to embrace electric vehicles. The Detroit Smart Parking Lab’s initiatives align with this sentiment, working towards breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive environment for all communities to participate in the EV revolution.
Bopp encourages community involvement to ensure that all needs are met. “Everyone and anyone is welcome to visit the facility and learn about the technology. Mobility meet-ups are organized approximately every other month and are open to the public and the community. These forums provide an incredible opportunity for people to have their voices heard and to share questions and ideas.”
As Detroit navigates the challenges of limited parking and strives to make electric vehicles more accessible, the innovations emerging from the Smart Parking Lab offer a glimpse into a future where EV adoption is seamless and inclusive. The collaboration between private enterprises, local businesses, and innovative initiatives like Lyft’s commitment to environmental justice signifies a collective effort to make the benefits of the EV revolution accessible to all. Through the ongoing efforts of the Smart Parking Lab, Detroit is poised to become a pioneer in redefining urban mobility and fostering a sustainable future for its residents.
The standout feature of these innovations lies in Smart Lab’s dedication to ensuring that the community, particularly those who might perceive EVs as unattainable, feels acknowledged and embraced. As communities grapple with the evolving landscape, it is crucial to ensure that the progress and reshaping of the city’s infrastructure provide accessible solutions that are comprehended and endorsed by those directly impacted.
“If we aren’t meeting the community in the way that they need to be met we would love to hear how we can better engage,” said Bopp.
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