Wisconsin Opens $40M in EV Charging Grants for Highways

Wisconsin is rolling out the welcome mat for electric vehicles with $40 million in new grant funding to build charging stations along its busiest highways.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation opened applications this week for businesses and organizations ready to install EV chargers near major road corridors. The grants cover up to 80% of project costs, meaning a station owner only needs to chip in 20% to get started.

This latest round builds on real momentum. Wisconsin has already funded 78 charging projects with $37 million in earlier grants, and 21 stations are already up and running. Drivers can now charge their vehicles at multiple spots across the state, and dozens more locations are in the pipeline.

The new funding targets heavily traveled U.S. and state highways after the state completed its Alternative Fuel Corridor network. Every station built with these grants will sit within one mile of a highway exit or intersection and include four charging ports, giving multiple vehicles the chance to power up at once.

The money comes from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, created through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The nationwide effort aims to eliminate range anxiety by ensuring EV drivers can charge up during long trips, just like gas-powered vehicles can fuel up anywhere.

The Ripple Effect

This expansion means more than just convenient charging spots. As stations multiply along Wisconsin's highways, they're making electric vehicles a realistic option for more families, especially those worried about finding a charge during road trips or rural drives.

Small towns along major routes stand to benefit too. Every new charging station brings travelers off the highway, potentially boosting local restaurants, shops, and services while drivers wait 20 to 30 minutes for their batteries to charge.

The 80% grant coverage removes a major financial barrier for businesses hesitant to install charging infrastructure on their own. Gas stations, hotels, and rest stops can now afford to add EV charging without breaking the bank.

Applications stay open through July 24, with winners announced this fall. That means new stations could start appearing by late 2026 or early 2027, just as more affordable EV models hit the market and more drivers make the switch.

Wisconsin joins a growing network of states building out charging infrastructure ahead of demand, ensuring the roads are ready when drivers are.