Amidst a backdrop of legal disputes and political tension, Wisconsin is set to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure significantly. The state has announced the allocation of $14 million in federal grants to establish EV fast-charging stations at 26 locations statewide.
On Monday, Governor Tony Evers, alongside the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), revealed the latest advancements in the state’s EV charging infrastructure. This follows a previous grant of $22.4 million for more than 50 projects last year.
Wisconsin has now distributed over $36.4 million across 78 projects through two rounds of funding. This initiative is part of a broader plan supported by the Biden administration, which awarded Wisconsin over $78 million through a program established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The latest funding round will benefit various sites, including 11 Kwik Trip locations, hotels, other gas stations, a Culver’s, and even a chocolate shop, as per the list of awarded locations.
WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman expressed optimism about the initiative, stating these charging stations will cater to the state’s evolving transportation needs. Currently, Wisconsin registers more than 37,000 electric vehicles.
“WisDOT is pleased to help offer drivers reliable and convenient places to stop, so they can feel comfortable making a trip across the state and have the opportunity to support local businesses along the way,” Boardman commented.
The backdrop to these developments involves a halt earlier this year by the Trump administration on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which jeopardized $55 million in federal funding for Wisconsin and other states.
This led Wisconsin to participate in a multi-state lawsuit against the decision. In June, a federal judge mandated the resumption of EV charging funding, with the program reopening in August.
Governor Evers emphasized the importance of reopening the EV charging program, noting its role in advancing Wisconsin’s infrastructure and economy. “Thanks to our actions to get the Trump Administration to release this critical funding that they were illegally withholding, we are thrilled to see the NEVI program continue to support these goals and further move us toward the clean energy future Wisconsinites deserve,” he stated.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. The NEVI program faces threats, notably from U.S. Rep. Tony Wied, R-De Pere, who proposed a bill to repeal the program, describing it as “President Biden’s wasteful vanity project.”
In September, Governor Evers alerted Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation about potential funding losses under President Donald Trump’s proposed federal budget for 2026, risking $16 million of the state’s NEVI funding.
From the initial funding round, 52 projects are advancing, with 11 operational, 16 approved for construction, and the remainder in pre-construction phases, according to the governor’s office.
One successful project includes a four-port charging station at a Wausaukee Exxon gas station. Owner Jimmy Behl noted, “Those things are really bringing a lot of customers inside because they have to stay there at least for 10-15 minutes,” adding that customers appreciate the facility.
John DesRivieres, a spokesperson for WisDOT, explained the strategy of the funding rounds: the first aimed at statewide coverage, while the current round seeks to address remaining gaps. He emphasized the goal of ensuring easy access to EV chargers across Wisconsin.
“We’re confident that these fast-charging stations, through this next round of grants, will help meet the evolving needs of residents and visitors to our state, ensuring we’ve got EV infrastructure in place to help folks get from point A to point B,” DesRivieres remarked.
