Keaton PetersThe state of Minnesota is taking strides to expand the electric vehicle charging network. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has announced the launch of its second round of funding for EV charging stations, making $47 million available to businesses interested in owning and operating fast-charging facilities.
The funding round, part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, looks to build up Minnesota’s EV charging network, with a primary focus on Interstate 90.
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Harnessing funding from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the program is designed to build a convenient, affordable, and reliable national network of EV chargers. Minnesota is set to receive a total of $68 million over five years for this initiative.
The adoption of electric vehicles is a major pillar in the U.S. strategy to move away from highly-polluting fuel sources, but the network of charging stations is nowhere near as extensive as gas stations. To make going electric more attractive to car buyers, more convenient places to charge need to be built. Minnesota’s program is looking to incentivize businesses to take part by installing EV charging infrastructure on their property.
This second round builds on the success of the initial phase, which saw $7.2 million awarded to 12 locations primarily along I-94 and I-35 in July 2024. MnDOT anticipates funding an additional 14 stations in this round, bringing the total to 26 new fast-charging locations across the state.
Applicants must meet several key requirements to be considered for funding. These include placing stations no more than 50 miles apart along designated corridors and within one mile of highway exits. Each station must have a minimum of four 150 kilowatt charging ports and provide 24/7 public access.
These specifications ensure that the new charging infrastructure will be conveniently located, powerful enough to provide quick charges and accessible to all EV drivers at any time.
The application window for this round is now open through January 13, 2025. MnDOT will host an informational webinar on October 30, 2024, to guide potential applicants through the process.
For more information about the NEVI program in Minnesota and how to apply for funding, interested parties can visit MnDOT’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program website.
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
