Minnesota Now Spending $10 Million To Build New EV Charging Stations

In 2021, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

The NEVI program is a federal initiative to build a national network of electric vehicle charging stations. It provides funding to states and territories to deploy EV charging infrastructure, particularly along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.

While the NEVI program was recently suspended by the Trump administration, and its future is uncertain at this time, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has secured funding for 12 additional electric vehicle charging stations to be built in Minnesota.

New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations To Be Built In Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced that, after an initial round of funding awards was announced in July 2024, additional funding will support 12 future locations of new electric vehicle charging stations along Interstates 90 and 94. The nearly $10 million in state and federal funding was made available through the NEVI program.

MnDOT says it secured $4.5 million for this second round of funds and will provide another $4.7 million in state funding for a total of $10 million. This funding supports MnDOT’s mission to build an EV charging network statewide, especially along important travel and business corridors.

“MnDOT remains committed to continuing our work to deliver a high-quality transportation system that meets the needs of Minnesotans. Building an EV charging infrastructure provides greater access to a fast-charging network and continues our progress toward our goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions”, said Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger.

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Daubenberger added that while they were disappointed the Trump administration suspended the program, the second round of grants shows Minnesota is honoring its commitment to continue 'this important work'.

EV charging stations will be built in the following 12 locations:

• Energy Hunters Minnesota in Barnesville
• Francis Energy Charging in Fergus Falls
• Love’s Travel Stops in Rockville
• Kwik Trip in Lake Elmo
• Francis Energy Charging in Luverne
• Kwik Trip in Worthington
• Francis Energy Charging in Jackson
• Francis Energy Charging in Blue Earth
• Kwik Trip in Albert Lea
• Kwik Trip in Austin
• Kwik Trip in Stewartville
• Love’s Travel Stops in St. Charles

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MnDOT adds that the 12 EV charging station locations, and previously announced 12 sites, were selected because they 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
• They are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no entry fee to access the chargers