Kwik Trip, Moose Lake, MN Photo: PlugShare
Minnesota is getting ready to put a lot more EV fast chargers on the map – and this time, they’ll be located beyond the state’s three major interstates.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is making $41.2 million available in its third and largest funding round under the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The money will be used to fill fast-charging gaps in Greater Minnesota, making longer EV trips around the state easier.
There are 74 eligible areas where developers can propose stations, and MnDOT expects to award grants for up to 40 sites. Only one station can win funding in each area.
Minnesota’s first two NEVI rounds were limited to I-35, I-90, and I-94. The federal government has since certified those three alternative fuel corridors as fully built out, so the state can now spend its remaining NEVI funds on other highways.
“NEVI funding is used to further develop a fast-charging network and will go a long way toward reducing range anxiety for long-distance travel needs in our state,” said MnDOT commissioner Nancy Daubenberger.
The expansion comes as Minnesota’s EV population is growing quickly. The state says the number of registered EVs has increased tenfold since 2018, from around 9,000 to 90,000.
Under MnDOT’s technical requirements, every funded site must have at least four NACS connectors and four CCS1 connectors. Each federally compliant charging port must also be able to deliver at least 150 kW, even when all are in use simultaneously.
The sites must be open to the public during the host business’s operating hours and include at least one ADA-compliant charging space. MnDOT also requires adequate lighting and either security cameras or staff on site.
And because this is Minnesota, there are snow rules: Operators must clear it within two hours after a storm ends whenever accumulation tops 1 inch.
Federal NEVI funds will cover 80% of each project’s eligible costs, with grant recipients paying the remaining 20%. The public or private organizations that win the grants will own and operate the chargers.
MnDOT awarded more than $16 million in its first two rounds, supporting 24 fast-charging sites along I-35, I-90, and I-94. As of August 6, eight were open, and the others were in preconstruction or under construction.
Applications for the new round are due by 4 pm on November 2. MnDOT expects to announce conditional awards in late December 2026 or January 2027.
Read more: Minnesota defies NEVI freeze with $10M EV charger expansion
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