Dunamis Charge has successfully concluded its Communities in Charge (CIC) pilot, a strategic partnership with DTE Energy designed to bridge the infrastructure gap in Southeast Michigan’s underserved neighborhoods. The 2025 completion marks the deployment of Buy America, Build America (BABA) compliant equipment across 26 community sites, establishing a scalable model for equitable electric mobility.
Strategic Highlights
- 102 Charging Ports: The program activated 56 Level 2 dual-port chargers across 26 locations.
- Domestic Compliance: 100% of the deployed equipment meets BABA standards, reinforcing supply chain resilience.
- Economic Viability: Host sites retain revenue generation capabilities, creating a sustainable financial model for nonprofits.
Infrastructure Deployment and Scope
The pilot focused on eliminating “EV deserts” by installing infrastructure where it is historically absent. Dunamis Charge deployed 56 Level 2 dual-port stations at community anchors, including places of worship and nonprofit organizations throughout Detroit.
Participating locations include Focus: HOPE, The Yunion, Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), and Greater Grace Temple. By integrating chargers into these mission-driven hubs, the initiative secures access for Black, Brown, and low-income communities while fostering trust and awareness regarding electrification technology.
A Scalable Economic Framework
The Communities in Charge program utilizes a tripartite structure designed to ensure long-term sustainability and economic participation for local stakeholders:
- Capital Support: DTE Energy funded the procurement and installation of the EV charging assets.
- Technology Supply: Dunamis Charge provided the Detroit-manufactured Level 2 hardware.
- Operational Revenue: Host sites cover electricity costs but retain the ability to generate revenue from charging sessions.
This model empowers community organizations to participate in the clean energy economy without bearing prohibitive upfront infrastructure costs.
Workforce Development and Vendor Ecosystem
Beyond hardware installation, the pilot emphasized local economic development. Dunamis Charge partnered with Metro Detroit–based firms—including Edgewood, Income Power, Walker-Miller, and Detroit Voltage—to execute the installations. This approach provided hands-on workforce experience and supported the local supplier ecosystem.
Natalie King, CEO of Dunamis Charge, noted that the program demonstrates equitable infrastructure deployment is scalable. Following this successful validation in Michigan, the company intends to replicate this framework nationally to address access gaps in other markets.
For further details on the project, visit the Communities in Charge program page.
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