Wisconsin Adds 42 EV Charging Stations Across State

Wisconsin drivers will soon find electric vehicle charging as easy as filling up at the gas pump, thanks to a massive infrastructure expansion bringing 42 new charging stations statewide.

Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced the project Monday, marking a major step toward making electric vehicles practical for everyone. The plan puts charging stations every 50 miles along key interstates and highways across Wisconsin.

Six of the new stations will serve northeast Wisconsin communities, including Chilton, De Pere, Fond du Lac, Gillette, Reedsville, and Sturgeon Bay. Each location was chosen to eliminate range anxiety for EV drivers, whether they're commuting to work or taking weekend road trips.

The project uses funding from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, a federal initiative designed to make clean transportation accessible nationwide. Wisconsin secured the grants despite concerns about future federal funding changes, showing the state's commitment to moving forward with the infrastructure families need.

The Ripple Effect

This charging network does more than help individual drivers. Building and maintaining 42 new stations creates construction jobs today and long-term employment for maintenance and operations tomorrow.

Local economies benefit too. Drivers charging their vehicles typically spend 20 to 30 minutes at each stop, perfect for grabbing coffee, shopping, or eating at nearby businesses. That means more foot traffic for small towns along highway corridors.

The environmental impact adds up quickly. Each new charging station makes electric vehicle ownership realistic for more Wisconsin families, reducing emissions from transportation, the largest source of carbon pollution in most states.

The timing matters for household budgets as well. With fuel costs fluctuating based on global events, electricity offers price stability. Many Wisconsin families who switch to electric vehicles report saving hundreds of dollars monthly on fuel and maintenance.

The 50-mile spacing follows best practices from states that have already built robust EV networks. It means drivers never face the stress of searching for a charge, even in rural areas where stations are currently scarce.

Wisconsin joins a growing number of states racing to build charging infrastructure before electric vehicle adoption accelerates. Industry experts predict EVs will make up 50% of new car sales within the next decade, making today's infrastructure investments essential for tomorrow's drivers.

The complete network will make Wisconsin one of the most EV-friendly states in the Midwest, attracting clean energy jobs and positioning the state as a leader in transportation innovation.