Minnesota opens application period for EV charging stations

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) recently opened the application period for $47 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program grants.

The state’s NEVI program is part of a national program by the same name with the goal of providing a convenient, affordable, reliable and equitable national network of EV chargers.

Grants would be issued to businesses interested in building, operating and maintaining EV charging stations primarily along I-90 with additional charging stations along I-94 and I-35.

“We are excited to be furthering the buildout of Minnesota’s EV charging network,” MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger said. “We know that EV owners want to charge their cars across the state and this funding will help build a fast-charging network that meets Minnesota’s needs. We look forward to continuing to build partnerships with businesses that wish to own and operate the fast-charging stations.”

Businesses interested in applying must be located no more than 50 miles apart along the Alternative Fuel Corridor and must be located less than one mile from an exit. Stations must allow unrestricted public access to the chargers and must have a minimum of four 150 kilowatt charging ports operating simultaneously.

MnDOT plans to fund 14 stations in this round. MnDOT said this round of funds compliments the previous selection of 12 locations along the I-94 and I-35 corridors. That round accounts for more than $7.1 million dollars in funding.

Minnesota will receive $68 million over five years for this program.