Federal funding approved for 13 new EV fast-charging stations in Minnesota

Thirteen locations in Minnesota have been selected to receive federal funding to build and maintain new electric vehicle fast-charging stations, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) announced this week.

The grant money is being provided by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which was part of the Biden Administration's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, created to provide "convenient, affordable, reliable and equitable national network of EV chargers."

“This is a critical step in our efforts to make sure no matter where you travel in this great state, you’re able to quickly charge your electric vehicle and get back on the road exploring Minnesota,” said Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. "The NEVI program provides every state the opportunity to build out much needed fast-charging stations for electric vehicles."

MnDOT selected 13 locations out of 38 applicants along the designated I-94 and I-35 Alternative Fuel Corridors. Requirements for these locations were that they are no more than 50 miles apart and located less than one mile driving distance from an interstate exit.

Locations must also have a minimum of four 150 kW charging ports able to operate simultaneously and must be open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no entry fee to access the chargers.

Combined, the project will receive more than $7.8 million dollars in funding.

Locations selected:

• Circle K Stores, Moorhead - $497,735
• Pilot Travel Centers, Alexandria $783,554
• Circle K Stores, Sauk Center $497,735
• Universal EV, St. Cloud $590,952
• Kwik Trip, St. Michael $660,662
• Francis Energy Charging, Brooklyn Park $758,677
• Circle K Stores, Proctor $497,735
• Kwik Trip, Moose Lake $746,764
• Circle K Stores, Forest Lake $497,735
• Francis Energy Charging, Burnsville $828,952
• Tesla, Albert Lea $546,512

Locations selected will now finalize contracts, conduct environmental reviews and finish site designs. Installations are expected within the next year.

MnDOT is also planning for a next round of funding, beginning with outreach to determine where Minnesotans would like to see new charging points.