(The Center Square) – The first federal funded EV charging stations in Wisconsin from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have opened at Kwik Trip stores in Ashland, Menomonie and Chippewa Falls.
The stations are part of 53 projects costing $23 million that were announced in May in the state as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program.
Nearly half of those fast-charging stations will be built at Kwik Trips.
The grants were part of an overall $78 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure money from Washington D.C.
“Expanding our EV infrastructure is a critical part of making sure Wisconsin can meet the demands of a 21st-century workforce and economy while making sure we’re embracing cleaner, more efficient transportation options,” Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement. “I look forward to more fast-charging stations coming online as we continue building upon our work to bolster our EV infrastructure and provide more sustainable transportation alternatives for Wisconsinites and visitors alike traveling across our state.”
Twenty-four of the chargers will be at Kwik Trip stations across the state while others will be at Oneida Casino in Green Bay, a Holiday Inn Express in Wauwatosa and a handful of small markets in rural Wisconsin.
“Our goal is to make sure EV drivers have the same options to travel as those who drive vehicles powered by gas,” Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Kristina Boardman said in a statement. “We’re eager to see these new charging stations come online to give EV drivers reliable services anywhere they want to go in Wisconsin. Each of these projects is helping us build a better, more sustainable future for our transportation system.”
The grants were awarded for stations within one mile of highways on what is being called the Wisconsin Alternative Fuel Corridor. Officials say that there are currently 29,000 EVs registered in the state.
The state is accepting applications for the next round of charger grants through Feb. 14.