The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program granted Wisconsin $78.65 million in federal funds for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at convenience stores including 24 Kwik Trip locations and two bp locations. Other fuel retail locations include CITGO, Exxon Holiday Inn Express, Shell, Road Ranger, Edgerton Truck Stop, Pine Cone Travel Plaza, KornerStores Inc. and Express Mart.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) said construction may begin at some locations in late summer.
Wisconsin will receive the funds over five years. To support the initial 53 projects, WisDOT awarded $23.3 million of the total NEVI funds to include fuel retailers, hotels and restaurants. WisDOT is evaluating opportunities to invest the remaining $55 million in EV infrastructure projects across Wisconsin.
“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 Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers. “This EV charging network will support drivers, businesses, tourists and our economy and workforce as we move toward a cleaner, more sustainable and more efficient future in Wisconsin. I’m incredibly grateful for the collaboration with our federal, state and private partners in support of this important work.”
The charging stations will be built along Wisconsin’s Alternative Fuel Corridor, reaching all corners of the state, to support the more than 23,000 EVs registered in Wisconsin, as well as travelers and visitors.
WisDOT considered several factors when choosing these projects, including the potential for future development, availability of pull-through parking spaces to allow for possible expansion to larger EVs and extended business site hours to accommodate longer refueling times.
“This is exactly why I was proud to help pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure law: we are putting Wisconsin to work making our transportation system safer, more efficient and better equipped for the future,” said Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin. “I fought hard to include strong Build America, Buy America standards when we build out the electric vehicle infrastructure because it should be American workers using American products taking us into the future. Today’s announcement means more convenient transportation options, more Wisconsinites being put to work and a more sustainable environment for generations to come.”
WisDOT awarded the $23.3 million to support private industry construction of charging stations across Wisconsin after receiving more than 260 applications during the first round Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) program. WisDOT released its RFP in January, and the application window closed on April 1. The total cost for the 53 awarded projects is estimated at $33.8 million, including the $23.3 million in federal funds secured through NEVI and $10.5 million in private financing. The program requires applicants to provide at least a 20% match to federal funds.
“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 Craig Thompson, secretary of WisDOT. “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.”
Among the selected applicants two Tribal Nations will receive more than $800,000 in funding, and 13 selected sites will be installed in disadvantaged communities. Wisconsin is the first state to award NEVI funds to a Tribal Nation.
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