MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), on May 23rd, announced 53 locations will become the first federally funded fast charging electric vehicle (EV) stations in the state funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program under President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). In total, to support these 53 projects, WisDOT awarded $23.3 million of the more than $78 million the state is expected to receive over the next five years.

This comes as, in March, Gov. Evers signed historic legislation, Senate Bill 791 and Senate Bill 792, now 2023 Wisconsin Acts 121 and 122, respectively, enabling WisDOT to receive and administer the more than $78 million in federal NEVI funds available to Wisconsin to bolster the state’s EV infrastructure.

“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 Gov. Evers. “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.”

“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 Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin). “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. On May 23rd’s announcement means more convenient transportation options, more Wisconsinites being put to work, and a more sustainable environment for generations to come.”

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 the state, as well as travelers and visitors.

“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. “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 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 the BIL and $10.5 million in private financing. The program requires applicants to provide at least a 20 percent 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. Wisconsin is the first state to award NEVI funds to a Tribal Nation. WisDOT anticipates construction may begin at some locations as early as late summer. 

WisDOT considered a number of 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.

Wisconsin will receive $78.65 million over five years under the NEVI Program. WisDOT is evaluating opportunities to invest the remaining $55 million in EV infrastructure projects across Wisconsin.

A list of selected applicants is available here.