Wisconsin Invests $436K in Door County EV Charging Hub

Visitors exploring Door County's scenic attractions will soon have a powerful new reason to drive electric vehicles to Wisconsin's beloved peninsula.

Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation just awarded over $436,000 to build a fast-charging electric vehicle station at a Kwik Trip in Sturgeon Bay. The location sits right at the intersection of State Highway 42/57 and Duluth Avenue, a perfect spot for tourists and locals alike.

This matters especially in Door County, which sits at the end of the road for many travelers. Jon Jarosh, President and CEO of Destination Door County, calls the news a major step forward for the area's aging charging infrastructure, which relies mostly on 10-year-old Level 1 and Level 2 chargers that work much slower.

The funding comes from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Wisconsin received $25 million total to spread charging stations across the state, making electric travel easier for everyone.

"From the start, we've planned an EV charging station network that will benefit both EV drivers and Wisconsin communities," said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. "The stations provide fast charging at convenient locations where drivers can also take care of other errands while charging up."

The Ripple Effect

Wisconsin's charging network is growing fast. The state has now awarded roughly $62 million across three funding rounds, supporting 120 projects statewide. Twenty-five stations are already up and running, serving more than 43,200 registered electric vehicles.

The impact reaches beyond just drivers. When EV owners can travel confidently to Door County, local businesses benefit from extended tourism seasons and longer visitor stays. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions all win when travelers don't worry about getting stranded without a charge.

Destination Door County is doubling down on the momentum. The organization still offers businesses up to $1,000 in reimbursements for installing their own charging stations through a mini-grant program, helping build an even stronger network across the peninsula.

Door County's roads are about to get a whole lot greener, and its future as an electric-vehicle-friendly destination looks brighter than ever.