Wisconsin has launched a new round of funding under the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, making approximately $40 million available to support the expansion of fast-charging infrastructure beyond the state’s completed Alternative Fuel Corridor network.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) said it is accepting applications for the latest funding round through July 24, 2026. Funding awards are expected to be announced in the autumn.
The grants will be distributed through the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) program, a competitive initiative that allocates federal NEVI Formula Program funding to eligible entities for the installation, ownership, operation and maintenance of EV fast-charging stations.
Under program rules, federal funding can cover up to 80% of eligible project costs, while applicants must provide at least 20% in matching non-federal funds.
Wisconsin received $78.65 million through the NEVI program established under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. To date, WisDOT has awarded approximately $37 million to support 78 charging projects across the state.
The projects include charging stations located at fuel retailers, grocery stores, hotels and restaurants. According to WisDOT, 21 charging sites are currently operational.
Previous rounds of funding focused on building out Wisconsin’s Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC) network, which encompasses major interstate highways, U.S. highways and state highways. Under federal NEVI requirements, charging stations must be located within one travel mile of designated corridors and spaced no more than 50 miles apart.
WisDOT said the state’s AFC network is now considered fully built out, allowing the agency to shift attention toward expanding charging access beyond those primary routes.
Future investments will be made through the WEVI Connecting Corridors Program, which aims to establish additional charging locations along connecting travel routes and underserved areas.
Under the new funding round, charging stations must be located within one mile of an interstate exit or highway intersection and include at least four charging ports.
WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said businesses across the state have played an important role in developing the charging network.
“Businesses throughout Wisconsin have stepped up to help us deliver a reliable network of charging options for the growing number of EV users in the state,” said Kristina Boardman, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Boardman said usage data from existing charging stations demonstrates growing demand for EV infrastructure.
“With more than 40,000 EVs registered in Wisconsin, and even more travellers coming here to visit, we’ve seen frequent and steady use of the chargers that are operational right now,” Boardman added.
The latest funding round reflects a broader transition in the NEVI program as many U.S. states move from establishing backbone charging networks along major highways to expanding infrastructure into secondary routes and regional travel corridors.
Wisconsin officials expect the Connecting Corridors Program to improve charging accessibility across a wider portion of the state while supporting continued growth in electric vehicle adoption.
Source: Electrive
