Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), announced in a recent press release that 53 Wisconsin locations will become the first federally funded, fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) stations in the state funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. To support the projects, WisDOT awarded a total of $23.3 million out of more than $78 million the state is expected to receive over the next five years.
The charging stations will be built along Wisconsin’s Alternative Fuel Corridor to support the more than 23,000 EVs registered in the state, as well as travelers and visitors.
WisDOT awarded the $23.3 million after receiving more than 260 applications during the first round request for proposals for the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.
The application window opened in January and 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 and $10.5 million in private financing. The program requires applicants to provide at least a 20% match to federal funds.
The selected applicants include fuel retailers, hotels, and restaurants. Two Tribal Nations will receive more than $800,000 in funding and 13 selected sites will be installed in disadvantaged communities. WisDOT anticipates construction may begin at some locations as early as late summer.
