Wisconsin Adds 78 EV Charging Stations to Beat Range Fear

Wisconsin is tackling one of the biggest fears keeping drivers from going electric, and the solution is already rolling out across the state.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation received $78 million in federal funding to build 78 charging stations along major highways. As of April 2025, 21 stations are already operational, with more coming online throughout the year.

"We're targeting that interstate system so that someone can always be within 50 miles of a high-quality charger," explained DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman, who drives an EV herself.

Nearly two-thirds of the new stations will be in northern Wisconsin, where charging infrastructure has been most needed. The strategic placement isn't just about helping locals. Wisconsin attracts millions of tourists each year, and state officials want visitors from other states to feel confident driving their EVs through Wisconsin's scenic routes.

The Ripple Effect

The charging stations are becoming unexpected economic engines for small communities. Each station must be located near businesses with extended hours, giving travelers a reason to grab coffee or snacks while their car charges.

Boardman sees this as more than convenience. "I think it's an opportunity to boost additional economic development in these areas where people are going to be charging their vehicles."

The infrastructure is arriving just in time. EV registrations in Wisconsin have doubled over the past three years, signaling growing confidence in electric transportation.

For current EV owners like George Bussey, who lives south of Ashland, the new stations are already making a difference. The northern corridor buildout means rural drivers can finally make longer trips without worry.

Boardman offers practical advice for new EV drivers: don't wing it. She recommends using phone apps to locate all available chargers, not just state-funded ones. Over time, she says, planning charging stops becomes second nature, and drivers develop favorite spots along their regular routes.

The state maintains an online dashboard showing construction progress and planned locations, helping drivers stay informed about where they can charge next.

The only potential speed bump? The Trump administration is considering requiring all federally funded chargers to be 100 percent American made. Boardman supports buying American but worries some necessary components aren't yet manufactured domestically.

Wisconsin's message to drivers remains clear: the state wants to support whatever transportation choices people make, whether that's gas, electric, or hybrid.