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Gov. Tony Evers and WisDOT Announce 53 New EV Charging Stations

Milwaukee, WI – In a significant move towards promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption and addressing the pressing need for reliable charging infrastructure, officials have unveiled plans to install 53 electric vehicle charging stations along Wisconsin’s Alternative Fuel Corridor.

Faster Charging Access Across Major Driving Corridors

The introduction of these charging stations, announced by Governor Tony Evers and the state Department of Transportation (WisDOT), aims to facilitate quicker charging for EV owners. With the promise of recharging in less than an hour, these stations will span major driving routes, ensuring accessibility across the state.

Addressing Current Challenges

Current EV drivers in Wisconsin have faced challenges in finding high-speed electric chargers. While the state boasts hundreds of electric chargers, only four Level 3 chargers, capable of quickly powering up any model EV, were available as of December 2023. This scarcity underscores the urgent need for expansion and improvement of charging infrastructure.

Diverse Locations and Inclusive Access

The selected locations for the new charging stations include a variety of establishments such as fuel retailers, hotels, and restaurants. Notably, the initiative also prioritizes inclusivity by earmarking funds for installation in disadvantaged communities. Additionally, two Tribal Nations are set to receive substantial funding, marking a significant step towards equitable access to EV infrastructure.

Funding and Investment

The ambitious project comes with an estimated cost of $33.8 million, with $23.3 million secured through federal funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI). Private financing of $10.5 million complements the federal allocation. Notably, applicants were required to provide a 20% match to federal funds, ensuring a collaborative approach to funding.

Wisconsin stands out as the first state to allocate NEVI funds to a Tribal Nation, highlighting its commitment to inclusivity and equitable distribution of resources.

Legislative Support and Future Plans

In a proactive move to bolster the state’s EV infrastructure, Governor Evers signed two bills in March. These legislative changes enabled WisDOT to receive and administer over $78 million in federal funds, with a significant portion allocated to the 53 charging projects.

Act 121, one of the bills, facilitated the offering of EV chargers by businesses selling electricity by the kilowatt-hour, incentivizing more establishments to provide EV charging services. Act 122 established a dedicated EV infrastructure program at WisDOT, streamlining the allocation and administration of NEVI funds.

Conclusion: Paving the Way for Electric Mobility

With the announcement of 53 new EV charging stations and legislative support for EV infrastructure development, Wisconsin is taking significant strides towards fostering electric mobility. The expansion of the charging network not only addresses current challenges but also lays the groundwork for a sustainable and inclusive transportation ecosystem.

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