$47 Million Now Available For More EV Charging Stations In Minnesota

In July, it was announced that 13 new electric vehicle fast charging stations were being built in Minnesota, thanks to funding provided by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

At the time, $7.8 million in funding was being spent to build new charging stations in Moorhead, Alexandria, Sauk Center, St. Cloud, St. Michael, Brooklyn Park, Proctor, Pine City, North Branch, Moose Lake, Forest Lake, Burnsville, and Albert Lea.

We also learned that millions more were available to build additional Minnesota charging stations to be built in the future. That isn't surprising since electric vehicle ownership is on the rise across the country.

Reports show that about 1.6 million electric vehicles (EVs) were sold in the U.S. in 2023, a 60% increase from the 1 million sold nationwide in 2022. The U.S. accounted for 9.7% of all new EV registrations worldwide in 2022.

Minnesota Ready To Take Next Steps To Build Additional EV Charging Stations

This week, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced it was ready to take the next steps to build additional electric vehicle charging stations in the state.

This will be the second round of EV charging station funds to be distributed by MnDOT, as a part of the NEVI program. It’s one part of the bipartisan Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, designed to provide a convenient, affordable, reliable, and equitable national network of EV chargers.

MnDOT says that now is the time for businesses interested in owning and operating EV charging stations to apply for $47 million in grant dollars. The funds will be used to build and maintain EV fast charging stations primarily along I-90, with additional charging stations along I-94 and I-35.

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Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger voiced excitement for the opportunity to further the buildout of Minnesota's EV charging network, adding that the funding will "help build a fast-charging network that meets Minnesota’s needs.”

Minnesota Businesses Can Apply Now For Funding

Businesses interested in applying for EV charging stations must meet the following requirements:

• Located no more than 50 miles apart along the Alternative Fuel Corridor (I-95, I-35, I-90)
• Located less than one-mile driving distance from an exit
• Have a minimum of four 150 kW charging ports able to operate simultaneously
• Allow public access to the chargers 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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MnDOT anticipates awarding funds for 14 NEVI stations in this round. This round of funds compliments the previous selection of locations along the I-94 and I-35 corridors. Minnesota will receive $68 million over five years for this program.