Wisconsin to administer $78 million to build, expand state EV network

Wisconsin will receive and administer more than $78 million to support and expand the state’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Gov. Tony Evers recently signed Senate Bills 791 and 792 into law, allowing the state to access funds the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program allocated in FY 2022.

NEVI is a $5 billion program that provides dedicated funding to states to deploy EV charging infrastructure and build a nationwide interconnected network. The Federal Highway Administration is responsible for the program, using funds from the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to distribute awards.

“WisDOT is ready to activate the federal funding and help industry quickly build fast chargers across the state,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “Electric vehicle drivers in Wisconsin will soon be able to travel about 85 percent of our state highway system and never be more than 25 miles away from a charger.”

Senate Bill 791, now Wisconsin Act 121, functionally unlocks access to the $78 million NEVI funds. The act allows businesses to provide EV chargers that sell electricity by the kilowatt hour. This provides a major incentive for businesses to invest in EV charging stations while simultaneously qualifying the state to use NEVI funding over the next five years. The act also established how local and state governments can operate charging stations and modified EV electricity taxes are treated.

Senate Bill 792, now Wisconsin Act 122, established the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) EV infrastructure program. WisDOT will administer the $78 million through this program, primarily supporting eligible businesses near major highways.

The signed acts build on Gov. Evers’ previous attempts to support a clean energy economy, combat climate change and promote alternative fuel vehicles and associated infrastructure. The NEVI program aligns with the state’s first ever Clean Energy Plan, which recommends developing EV manufacturing and transitioning to EVs statewide.