Wisconsin has restarted its federally backed electric vehicle charging program, allocating $14 million for 26 new fast-charging sites after a court order forced the release of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funds that had been frozen earlier this year. The latest funding round brings the total number of state-supported fast-charging projects to 78, as officials aim to enable seamless EV travel along major highway corridors.
The restart follows a federal court ruling that compelled the Trump Administration to release NEVI funds. Wisconsin had joined a multi-state lawsuit after the freeze threatened about $55 million in federal support for its charging network. The NEVI program covers up to 80% of eligible project costs for fast chargers installed along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, provided the stations are non-proprietary, offer open-access payment methods and are accessible to the general public or multiple commercial vehicle operators.
See also: Wisconsin Launches First NEVI-Funded Charging Stations to Expand EV Access
In a statement, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said the restored funding would strengthen the state’s infrastructure capacity. He said it would ensure Wisconsin can “meet the needs of the 21st Century,” adding that “we are thrilled to see the NEVI program continue to support these goals and further move us toward the clean energy future Wisconsinites deserve.”
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), the 26 selected sites were assessed based on corridor coverage, development potential and extended operating hours. The locations include 11 Kwik Trip sites, as well as chargers at hotels, service stations, a Culver’s restaurant and a chocolate shop. The stations span the state from Superior to East Troy and are intended to close remaining gaps along 15 interstate and highway corridors. “As the market and the number of folks who are driving electric vehicles grows, EV infrastructure is needed,” WisDOT spokesperson John DesRivieres said, adding the goal is to ensure that “no matter where you are in Wisconsin, you’ve got easy access to an EV charger.”
Through its first two rounds of NEVI funding, Wisconsin has now allocated $36.4 million in federal support. Of the 78 projects announced so far, 11 fast-charging stations are operational, 16 have been approved for construction and the remainder are in pre-construction phases. Wisconsin currently has more than 37,000 registered electric vehicles, with registrations rising sharply ahead of the recent expiration of federal tax credits. Alex Beld of Renew Wisconsin said continued infrastructure expansion is expected to sustain adoption momentum, adding, “By expanding our network of charging stations, we hope to see that number continue to climb.”
