Governor Tony Evers and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) unveiled a new round of grants that will fund 42 electric‑vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout the state. The awards, part of the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) Connecting Corridors Program, bring the total number of funded EV projects to 120 and represent roughly $62 million in state‑level investment.
Local businesses stand to benefit
Each grant will support a fast‑charging site located at a convenience store, restaurant, hotel, or retail outlet, allowing drivers to refuel while they shop, dine, or rest. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman emphasized that the stations are designed to draw travelers into communities, bolstering local economies and creating construction and service‑industry jobs.
Progress despite federal challenges
The Trump administration repeatedly questioned the eligibility of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which was created under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (BIL). Wisconsin’s officials fought those challenges, and a federal judge in June 2025 blocked the administration’s attempt to withhold more than $60 million in NEVI Formula Program funding. That legal victory cleared the way for the current round of grants.
Key sites and funding amounts
Grant amounts range from $396,800 in Madison to $930,849 in Milwaukee, with projects slated for locations such as Kwik Trip stations near I‑43, a Best Western in Dodgeville, a Shell station in Gillett, and a Hilton Garden Inn in Oconomowoc. The full list of sites and award amounts is available on WisDOT’s EV‑charging dashboard.
State leadership on clean transportation
Wisconsin has already placed EV chargers at every 50‑mile interval along its major interstates, a milestone that qualifies the state for additional NEVI funding. The state is also the first to extend NEVI projects onto Tribal lands, reflecting a commitment to inclusive infrastructure development.
Looking ahead
With the BIL set to expire at the end of September 2026, Governor Evers has urged Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to pass a surface‑transportation reauthorization that continues federal support for roads, bridges, and EV infrastructure. The administration’s proactive stance on expanding clean‑energy options aligns with broader goals of reducing fuel costs for families and fostering a 21st‑century economy rooted in American ingenuity and local job creation.
Community impact
More than 43,200 EVs are already registered in Wisconsin, and the new stations will help meet growing demand from residents and visitors alike. By integrating charging locations with everyday destinations, the program aims to make electric travel convenient for families, support small businesses, and reinforce the state’s reputation as a leader in sustainable transportation.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
