This news story is a part of LTP’s “Did you know?” email and news series, reintroducing essential resources from LTP that you might have missed
Ann Arbor Commuter Challenge
Did you know? The 2026 Ann Arbor Commuter Challenge runs May 1-31. This challenge aims to encourage the Ann Arbor community to choose sustainable alternatives to driving alone when commuting to and from work. Options of alternative modes of transportation such as walking, carpooling, biking, vanpooling, and using public transportation are all encouraged during this challenge.
How to participate:
- Sign up or login online.
- Add your workplace/department to your profile.
- Start choosing sustainable commuting options on your way to and from work!
Having both individual and organizational prizes, this challenge is an easy and fun way to reduce your environmental impact and learn more about Ann Arbor transit options.
During the challenge, there are designated dates and themed weeks to encourage participation.
Special Dates:
- May 6: Virtual Office Hours – Commuter Challenge 2026
- May 8: Bike to Wherever Day 2026
- May 15: Carpool Connect Mixer
- May 19: Get to Know Transit Lunch
Themed Weeks:
- May 3 – 9: Walk Week
- May 10 – 16: Bike Week
- May 17 – 23: Transit Week
- May 24 – 31: Carpool Week
Additionally, the workplace with the highest participation rate within its respective size category wins a prize of a catered Sweetgreen lunch. Individual prizes include treats from Washtenaw Dairy, gift cards to local businesses and chances to win VISA gift cards from UMCU.
For more information, visit the Commuter Challenge Website to learn more!
New DC Fast Charging Stations
Did you know? The University of Michigan has added new DC Fast Charging (DCFC) stations at Surface Lot SC2, located at 1032 Green Street, increasing support for the growing U-M electric vehicle fleet.
DC fast charging is designed to provide a quick midday top-off if a fleet vehicle is running low, helping drivers finish out the workday if needed. Most U‑M fleet vehicles travel less than 20 miles per day on campus, so even a short DCFC session can provide more than enough charge for daily needs.
For longer charging needs, Level 2 charging remains the best option for overnight charging at locations across campus. Level-2 chargers are located at various locations around campus.
What to Expect in a 30 Minute Charge:
| Vehicle Type | Approx. Range Added | % Battery Added |
| Chevy Bolt EUV | 35–95 miles | ~15–40% |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 40–110 miles | ~15–45% |
| Ford E-Transit | 30–90 miles | ~20–70% |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 90–130 miles | ~35–50% |
| Chevy Blazer EV | 55–160 miles | ~20–55% |
| Chevy Equinox EV | 60–170 miles | ~20–55% |
| Chevy Silverado EV | 60–180 miles | ~15–45% |
Charging speeds do vary by vehicle, battery level, and temperature. For the best charging performance, plug in when the battery is low and, if possible, after the vehicle has been driven (or preconditioned), as warmer batteries charge faster.
Important Things to Know About DC Charging:
- Sessions are limited to 30 minutes
- Fleet vehicle only
- Activated using the same RFID tag that is used for Level 2 chargers
- No overnight charging – intended only as a top off
- Fastest charging occurs when the battery is below ~50%
- Charging speed slows down as the battery approaches capacity
There are currently 8 DCFC spaces at SC2 and 4 more DCFC spaces expected to be online in April at NC62 (off of Baxter Rd.). These new chargers can be a helpful resource when your fleet vehicle is running low on charge throughout the day!
For more information on DCFC charging on campus, read here.
Fleet Vehicle Auction
Through a collaboration with Property Disposition, the University of Michigan sells fleet vehicles through the local auction service Braun and Helmer. The next auction is right around the corner and is a great chance for interested car buyers to bid on a variety of well-maintained vehicles previously used by the university.
The auction will begin on March 12 at 9 a.m. and end March 19 at 7 p.m., taking place fully online with a local pick-up option only.
If you are planning on participating in the auction, here are some things to know before the day of:
- Preview Date: You can inspect vehicles in person the day before the auction, on March 11, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Wolverine Tower in the back of the yellow parking lot (3001 S State St. Ann Arbor, MI 48108). This will be the only date and time to preview the vehicles.
- Auction Registration: Registration to bid opens on the day of the auction at 9 am.
- Vehicle List: A preliminary list of available vehicles is posted online, but it will be updated as more vehicles are added. The complete catalog will be posted on Thursday March 12 at 9 a.m.
- Vehicle Photos: Photos of the vehicles are located on the Braun and Helmer website, showing interested buyers the condition of listed vehicles
For more details on this upcoming auction, please visit Braun and Helmer’s website. More information will be posted on their website closer to the date of the auction.
You can get quick, reliable answers with the LTP Chatbot
LTP launched the first AI Chatbot in Facilities & Operations nine months ago, and it has already answered more than 4,000 questions, helping users like you find LTP information faster.
Benefits of LTP’s Chatbot:
- Instant Answers: Bypasses click-throughs and search bars to give you reliable info on fleet leasing information, parking permits, and more.
- LTP-Verified: Uses over 60 LTP web pages as source material, which are regularly updated and audited.
- Personalized Information: Answers questions using a wide range of source material, ensuring responses are current and tailored to people’s specific needs.
- Sustainability Focused: Powered by U-M Maizey, which has AI Sustainability goals in the forefront of their operation.
- Smart Responses: If you need real-time data that the chatbot can’t provide, it points you to the right tool or resources for you to get more information.
Located at the bottom left of the LTP website on all pages, the chatbot is prominently marked by a blue speech bubble featuring the iconic yellow Michigan ‘M’, making it easy-to-spot. Simply click the speech bubble to start a conversation with LTP’s Chatbot.
This new feature reflects the LTP’s ongoing commitment to innovation, accessibility and user experience. Give it a try the next time you have a question about LTP and are on ltp.umich.edu.
