Wisconsin EV charging network to be Kwik Trip heavy
(The Center Square) – Nearly half of Wisconsin’s to-be-built electric vehicle charging stations will be built at Kwik Trips.
Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday announced the next step for the state’s EV charging network.
In all, Wisconsin will build 53 charging stations across the state.
“This EV charging network will support drivers, businesses, tourists and our economy and workforce as we move towards a cleaner, more sustainable, and more efficient future in Wisconsin,” Evers said in a statement.
The heart of the new plan is $78 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure money from Washington D.C.
Some of that money, a little more $23 million, has been earmarked for private companies to add EV chargers at their businesses.
The new plan includes more than a few of those, including the Oneida Casino in Green Bay, a Holiday Inn Express in Wauwatosa and a handful of small markets in rural Wisconsin.
But Kwik Trip will get nearly half of the EV chargers. Of the 53 charging stations Evers announced, 24 will be built at Kwik Trips across the state.
“EVs are a part of the future of transportation, so we are prioritizing resources to make this sustainable option more accessible in our state,” Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson said. “This is a robust plan that will support people no matter where they live or travel in Wisconsin. We’re looking forward to a time when EV drivers don’t have to worry about where to find their next charge.”
The hope is to have an EV charging station every 50 miles in Wisconsin.
Thompson says that should help the 2,300 EV owners in the state take longer road trips and end any range anxiety they may have.
Wisconsin’s EV charging money will come into the state over the next five years, and both Thompson and the governor say the 53 charging projects announced Thursday are only the first round. There’s no word just when the work will begin on the first round of EV chargers.
