Dane County Plans 22 New EV Charging Stations

Electric vehicle ownership just got easier for thousands of Wisconsin residents who don't have a garage.

Dane County is moving forward with phase two of its "Charge Up Dane County" initiative, proposing 22 new charging stations across the region. The expansion specifically targets people who've been left out of the EV revolution: apartment dwellers, rural residents, and anyone without access to private charging.

"This will increase the attraction of electric vehicles," said Kathryn Kuntz, director of the Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change. For many renters, the lack of home charging has been the single biggest barrier to going electric.

The county is taking a thoughtful approach to placement. Stations will prioritize dense neighborhoods with apartment buildings, underserved rural areas, and locations near public transit hubs where people already gather.

Every station must meet ADA requirements, including a maximum 2% incline for accessibility. The county is currently mapping specific sites and working through federal approval requirements before construction can begin.

The Ripple Effect

The benefits extend far beyond just charging cars. Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that businesses near charging stations see a 4% to 5% boost in both foot traffic and customer spending.

Yash Babar, an assistant professor studying the economic impact, explains that EV drivers typically spend 30 to 60 minutes at a charger. That's perfect timing for grabbing coffee, shopping, or eating a meal at nearby businesses.

The project faces the same federal approval delays affecting similar initiatives nationwide. "There are probably 30 projects like us across the country, and nobody under this administration has gotten the amendment to go forward with construction," Kuntz noted.

Despite the wait, county officials remain optimistic. They're already planning a third round of proposals for March or April, showing their commitment to making EVs accessible for everyone, not just homeowners with garages.

This infrastructure investment means cleaner air, lower transportation costs, and economic opportunity for local businesses, all while ensuring no one gets left behind in the transition to electric vehicles.