WISCONSIN — Fifty-three locations across Wisconsin will be the first to receive federal funding for electric vehicle stations in the state, Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced Thursday.

What You Need To Know

  • Fifty-three locations across Wisconsin will be the first to receive federal funding for electric vehicle stations in the state

  • The funding is part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program — a section of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) signed by President Joe Biden — which gave more than $78 million to the state to be administered over the next five years

  • WisDOT is now giving $23.3 million of that funding to the 53 EV projects

  • Charging stations will be built along the Alternative Fuel Corridor in the state. It will help support Wisconsin’s over 23,000 registered EVs and visitors to the state

The funding is part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program — a section of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) signed by President Joe Biden — which gave more than $78 million to the state to be administered over the next five years. Evers signed off on that legislation in March.

WisDOT is now giving $23.3 million of that funding to the 53 EV projects.

“I’m proud we’ve made historic progress on our work to build the transportation infrastructure Wisconsin needs for a 21st-century workforce and economy,” said Evers in a press release. “This EV charging network will support drivers, businesses, tourists, and our economy and workforce as we move towards a cleaner, more sustainable, and more efficient future in Wisconsin. I’m incredible grateful for the collaboration with our federal, state, and private partners in support of this important work.”

Sen. Tammy Baldwin also praised the effort, saying the announcement would mean “more convenient transportation options, more Wisconsinites being put to work and a more sustainable environment for generations to come.”

Charging stations will be built along the Alternative Fuel Corridor in the state. It will help support Wisconsin’s over 23,000 registered EVs and visitors to the state.

“EVs are a part of the future of transportation, so we are prioritizing resources to make this sustainable option more accessible in our state,” said WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson in a press release. “This is a robust plan that will support people no matter where they live or travel in Wisconsin. We’re looking forward to a time when EV drivers don’t have to worry about where to find their next charge.”

WisDOT received over 260 applications for the funding in the first round of the Request for Proposals (RFP). The application window opened in January and closed on April 1.

Those selected include fuel retailers, hotels and restaurants. Two Tribal Nations were also included in the recipients and will get more than $800,000. Wisconsin is the first to award the federal NEVI funds to a Tribal Nation. Thirteen of the projects that were selected are also in disadvantaged communities. A full list of selected applicants can be found here.

The 53 projects are expected to cost $33.8 million in total. The federal funds will cover $23.3 million of that and the rest — $10.5 million — will come from private financing. The Evers administration noted that the program requires those to apply to provide at least a 20% match to the federal funds.

WisDOT said it expects construction to begin on projects starting in late summer.

Related Stories