Minnesota Announces Next Steps for Companies Looking to Add Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Valley News Live) – Minnesota businesses that want to own and operate EV charging stations can now apply for $47 million in grants. The Minnesota Department of Transportation says the funds will help build and maintain electric vehicle charging stations primarily along I-90, with additional stations along I-94 and 35.

This is the second round of funding distributed by MnDOT as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The program is part of the bipartisan Federal Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, which aims to provide an affordable, reliable and equitable nationwide network of electric vehicle chargers.

“We are excited to advance the construction of the electric vehicle charging network in Minnesota. We know electric vehicle owners want to charge their cars across the state and this funding will help build a fast charging network that meets Minnesota’s needs,” said Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger.

“We look forward to continuing to build partnerships with companies that want to own and operate fast charging stations.”

Companies interested in applying must meet the following requirements:

Located no more than 50 miles apart along the Alternative Fuels Corridor
Located less than a mile away from an exit
Have a minimum of four 150 kW charging ports capable of operating simultaneously
Allow public access to chargers 24/7

MnDOT anticipates that this round of funding will award awards to 14 NEVI stations. During the first round of funds, 12 locations along the I-94 and I-35 corridors benefited. This round represented more than $7.1 million in funding. The state will receive $68 million over five years for the program.