The June 12, 2026 update notes that downtown parking staff tested all eight EV chargers in the system and found an average overall utilization of 43 percent. Signs were placed on chargers notifying users that an hourly electric usage fee will take effect in July, signaling a transition from free or flat-rate charging to a metered, fee-based model. At the same time, the City is conducting wider repairs and upgrades to its garages, offering a chance to rethink EV charging infrastructure, payment integration, and capacity planning.For EV charging network providers, payment system vendors, and parking technology integrators, this is a sign that East Lansing is actively managing and monetizing its EV charging assets. Vendors can discuss back-end billing platforms, demand management, charger expansion strategies, and integration with parking permits and enforcement, positioning themselves for future procurements to upgrade hardware, software, and customer interfaces as utilization grows.

The system comprises eight chargers across the downtown garages, with moderate utilization; fee implementation may require software or payment system changes even if not yet procured.