Minnesota Gets $41M for 40 New EV Charging Stations

Electric vehicle drivers in Minnesota are about to get a whole lot more freedom to roam.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is rolling out $41.2 million for up to 40 new fast-charging stations in areas that haven't had them before. This is the state's biggest funding round yet under the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.

For years, Minnesota focused on building chargers along its three main interstates. Now those corridors are fully covered, so the state can spend remaining funds on other highways across Greater Minnesota. That means drivers can finally take longer trips without worrying about running out of charge in the middle of nowhere.

The timing couldn't be better. Minnesota's EV population has exploded tenfold in just six years, growing from around 9,000 vehicles in 2018 to 90,000 today.

"NEVI funding is used to further develop a fast-charging network and will go a long way toward reducing range anxiety for long-distance travel needs in our state," said MnDOT commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. The department has identified 74 eligible areas where developers can propose new charging sites.

Each station will need to meet serious standards. They must have at least four plugs for each type of connector (both NACS and CCS1), with each port delivering at least 150 kilowatts even when all chargers are being used at once. Sites need adequate lighting, security cameras or staff, and accessible parking spaces.

And because this is Minnesota, there's a winter requirement: operators must clear snow within two hours after any storm that drops more than an inch. The stations must be open whenever the host business is operating.

The Ripple Effect

This expansion does more than help current EV owners. It sends a signal to anyone considering an electric vehicle that Minnesota is serious about supporting them. When people know they can charge up anywhere in the state, not just on major highways, the switch to electric becomes much easier to imagine.

The first two funding rounds awarded over $16 million for 24 stations along the interstates. As of August, eight were already open and the rest were under construction. That track record shows Minnesota knows how to get these projects done.

Federal dollars will cover 80% of each project's cost, with grant winners covering the remaining 20%. Public or private organizations can apply, and they'll own and operate the chargers once built. Applications are due November 2, with awards announced in late December or early January.

Minnesota is building the infrastructure that makes clean transportation possible for everyone.