Detroit Partners with it’s electric to Launch First-Ever Building-Powered Curbside EV Charging in the Motor City

Detroit is once again driving innovation in transportation with the official ribbon-cutting of the city’s first building-powered curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, courtesy of Brooklyn-based tech company, it’s electric. In partnership with the Detroit Smart Parking Lab, Bedrock, Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, Michigan Central, Newlab, and DTE Energy, this initiative brings a unique, community-first approach to public EV charging infrastructure—right to the city’s curbs. The historic ribbon-cutting was announced on May 1, 2025.

“Today marks a major milestone for Detroit and the future of transportation within cities,” said Nathan King, CEO of it’s electric. “Detroit’s first is not its last, and represents what’s possible when new ways of addressing infrastructure barriers for EV charging are implemented. It’s quite meaningful to cut today’s ribbon, as it was in Detroit, with the support of so many interested partners, that we first prototyped and received our earliest funding. We’re thrilled to stand here today to look into the future together.”

“The Office of Mobility Innovation was created to help the City of Detroit navigate today’s rapidly changing transportation and mobility industries — and this project is a great example of the innovation we aim to foster,” said Tim Slusser, Chief of the Office of Mobility Innovation. “But OMI did not do it alone. We were supported by our colleagues, Detroit City Council, the Mayor’s Office, and numerous other stakeholders across Michigan who came together to make this project possible. I’m proud of the collaboration and dedication that led to installing our first curbside chargers, and I’m excited to see the chargers that it’s electric and others will bring to Detroit because of the foundation we’ve built.”

This deployment is a full-circle moment for it’s electric, which first validated its small-footprint Level 2 chargers in 2022 through the Detroit Smart Parking Lab—a proving ground for cutting-edge mobility and charging solutions. Now, with the support of multiple local and state grant programs, including DTE Energy’s Emerging Tech Fund, the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform, and Michigan Central’s Scale Fund, it’s electric is back in Detroit to make curbside charging more accessible, affordable, and equitable.

“The Detroit Smart Parking Lab was designed to provide startups the space to test, prove and scale their ideas—and it’s electric is a strong example of what this platform can unlock,” said Bedrock’s Senior Director of Urban Strategy & Innovation, Kevin Mull. “it’s electric is a great addition to DSPL’s list of graduates as it deploys its technology right outside its doors. At Bedrock, we see infrastructure like this as essential to building cities that are both sustainable and future-facing.”

“it’s electric’s contributions to Michigan’s mobility ecosystem are a shining example of how the state’s proactive approach to supporting innovative startups is positively impacting the accessibility of EV charging,” said Justine Johnson, MEDC’s Chief Mobility Officer of the State of Michigan. “From incubating at the Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL) to becoming the city’s first curbside charger located just outside the DSPL, Detroit is demonstrating how innovation hubs such as the DSPL can foster public-private collaborations to deliver tomorrow’s transportation infrastructure for Michigan residents, property owners, and businesses, today.”

What Makes it’s electric Different?

Powered by Buildings – The chargers connect behind-the-meter to adjacent buildings, bypassing the utility grid and enabling faster, low-cost installation.

Zero Cost to Property Owners or Cities – No installation or operational fees for municipalities or building owners.

Revenue for Local Properties – Participating property owners receive monthly passive income from charger use.

Sleek, Detachable Cable Design – The only US charging post with a detachable cable system, keeping sidewalks clear and chargers secure. The Brooklyn-718 by it’s electric is the first EV charger with a detachable cable to meet the rigorous safety tests required by UL Standards.

Equity-Driven Deployment – Chargers are installed where residents want them most, focusing on high-need neighborhoods underserved by traditional EV infrastructure.

“Today is a great day for the city of Detroit as we celebrate what will ultimately be the installation of more than 20 public Electric Vehicle chargers,” said Neal Foley, Director, Electric Marketing for DTE Energy. “DTE is proud to have been a partner on this exciting project through our Emerging Technology Fund, which was launched three years ago to help EV innovators across the state and country find new solutions to make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible. As an Emerging Tech Fund recipient, it’s electric is bringing their innovative, curbside chargers to Detroit, which will benefit all Michiganders who live, work, and visit the Motor City. We are thrilled that the vision is becoming a reality.”

“Born in Brooklyn, but raised in Detroit, it’s electric has been one of the first startups to span this unique mobility innovation corridor,” said Katie Soven, Managing Director of Newlab Detroit. “Through the expansive network and resources from Newlab’s hubs in Brooklyn and Detroit, as well as the robust support from Michigan Central and the State of Michigan to advance and scale early-stage companies seeking to solve the most pressing challenges facing humanity, today’s ribbon cutting is the perfect next chapter. With it’s electric at its center, we are building a rich technology ecosystem together.”

The first charger is now live outside the Detroit Smart Parking Lab (1701 W Lafayette Blvd.), with plans to scale to 25 total curbside locations across Detroit by the end of 2025. Residents are encouraged to nominate their neighborhoods for future installations.

Building owners and drivers who want a charger on their block can join the it’s electric waitlist. Download the it’s electric app to request a detachable charging cable at no cost.