13 New Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Stations Announced In Minnesota

There's a good chance that if you don't own an electric vehicle, you know someone who does because electric vehicle sales have grown significantly since 2020 in the United States.

Reports show that about 1.6 million electric vehicles (EVs) were sold in the U.S. in 2023, a 60% increase from the 1 million sold nationwide in 2022. The U.S. accounted for 9.7% of all new EV registrations worldwide in 2022.

While I don't have one, I know a couple of people who do, and one thing they need to do when planning road trips is to make sure they are aware of where fast charging stations are located and be sure they're included in their route.

Recently, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced that electric vehicle owners traveling within the state will soon find it easier to find charging stations.

MnDOT Announces 13 New Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Stations

Thanks to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, funding is available to build and maintain EV fast charging stations across Minnesota. MnDOT notes that grant dollars are a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which is designed to provide a convenient, affordable, reliable, and equitable national network of EV chargers.

Recently, they received 38 applicants requesting funding for charging stations along the designated I-94 and I-35 Alternative Fuel Corridors, and MnDOT has officially selected 13 locations that can now move to the next step in the process of receiving funding.

Get our free mobile app

The sites that were selected met the following requirements:

• Located no more than 50 miles apart along the Alternative Fuel Corridor
• Located less than one-mile driving distance from an interstate exit
• Have a minimum of four 150 kW charging ports able to operate simultaneously
• Are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no entry fee to access the chargers

Locations That Were Selected For Fast Charging Stations

MnDOT announced the following Minnesota locations will receive more than $7.8 million in combined funding to build, own, and operate fast charging stations:

• Circle K Stores, Moorhead - $497,735
• Pilot Travel Centers, Alexandria - $783,554
• Circle K Stores, Sauk Center - $497,735
• Universal EV, St. Cloud - $590,952
• Kwik Trip, St. Michael - $660,662
• Francis Energy Charging, Brooklyn Park - $758,677
• Circle K Stores, Proctor - $497,735
• Circle K Stores, Pine City - $302,281
• Kwik Trip, North Branch - $596,035
• Kwik Trip, Moose Lake - $746,764
• Circle K Stores, Forest Lake - $497,735
• Francis Energy Charging, Burnsville - $828,952
• Tesla, Albert Lea - $546,512

SEE NOW: Watch Out For New Scam Involving Minnesota’s E-ZPass

The next steps for the 13 locations include finalizing contracts, conducting environmental reviews, and finalizing site designs. Station installations are expected within the next year.

MnDOT notes it is also planning for the next round of funding and has already begun outreach efforts to learn more about what Minnesotans think about possible locations and additional priorities that can help in the selection process.

Get our free mobile app