HOLLAND — With electric vehicles sharing our roads in ever-growing numbers, Ottawa County and Hope College have announced a partnership on a first-of-its-kind countywide electric vehicle charging assessment.

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The study will help prepare Michigan's fastest-growing county for the era of the electric vehicle.

"The manner by which we'll travel by vehicle is changing," said Paul Sachs, director of Ottawa County's Department of Strategic Impact. "To prepare for an all-electric vehicle future, we need to understand our current infrastructure landscape and the anticipated needs of residents."

The county, already in the midst of conducting EV charger research, recognized an opportunity to collaborate with Hope College's Center for Leadership Consulting Program — which offers college students real-world experience in conducting research and solving problems for businesses, nonprofits and government organizations.

CFL was backed for the collaborative opportunity through Consumers Energy, the state's largest energy provider.

With guidance from the Department of Strategic Impact, four CFL students will conduct the assessment with mentor Bob Bieri, senior vice president and general manager for Lacks Enterprises, a Grand Rapids-based automobile parts manufacturer.

"Ottawa County and Consumers Energy have given (students) an amazing opportunity to wrestle with how fast the EV automotive market will change in Ottawa County," Bieri said. "Envisioning and preparing for the needs and desires of consumers who have yet to participate in the EV market is an awesome challenge and it will require unique collaboration. We are truly grateful for this partnership."

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In Michigan, EV registrations climbed nearly 60 percent in the past year, according to Secretary of State data, and they've tripled in communities that Consumers Energy serves in less than three years. Consumers plans to power one million electric vehicles by 2030, and state leaders expect two million in total, as the auto industry, energy providers and policymakers make EV adoption more convenient and affordable.

"This is the time for Michigan to lay the groundwork for our state's transformation," said Lauren Snyder, vice president of customer experience at Consumers Energy. "Consumers Energy already has powered nearly 2,500 EV chargers for homes, businesses and the public, and we applaud Hope College and Ottawa County taking a strategic look at the community's needs."

Split into a fall and spring session, the project will include spatial and technical analyses of suitable charger locations — along with, but not limited to, equipment and maintenance options, ownership structures, best practices and a thorough cost-model of anticipated multi-year expenses and revenues, infrastructure needs, and limitations.

The study also aims to determine whether infrastructure is best supported by public tax dollars or privatization, or even a combination thereof.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Hope College partners with Ottawa County to conduct EV deep-dive