Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan

The Minnesota Department of Transportation announces that 13 grantees have been selected to move to the next step in the process to receive funding from National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The funds will be used to build and maintain EV fast charging stations across the state. Grant dollars are a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which is designed to provide a 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. We appreciate hearing from so many Minnesotans in this process and your input will help to continue building this infrastructure across our state."

MnDOT selected 13 locations from 38 applicants along the designated I-94 and I-35 Alternative Fuel Corridors. Combined, those selected will receive more than $7.8 million dollars in funding to build, own and operate fast charging stations.

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
• Circle K Stores, Pine City - $302,281
• Kwik Trip, North Branch - $596,035
• Kwik Trip, Moose Lake - $746,764
• Circle K Stores, Forest Lake - $497,735
• Francis Energy Charging, Burnsville - $828,952
• Tesla, Albert Lea - $546,512

The sites that were selected met the following requirements:

• Located no more than 50 miles apart along the Alternative Fuel Corridor
• Located less than one mile driving distance from an interstate exit
• Have a minimum of four 150 kW charging ports able to operate simultaneously
• Are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no entry fee to access the chargers

The next steps for the 13 locations include finalizing contracts, conducting environmental reviews and finalizing site designs. Station installations are expected within the next year.

MnDOT is also planning for the next round of funding and has begun outreach efforts to learn more about what Minnesotans think about possible locations and additional priorities that can help in the selection process.

To learn more, sign up for updates or to take the survey, go to talk.dot.state.mn.us/mnevina. Additional information can be found on the NEVI webpage at mndot.gov/nevi.

MnDOT is hosting an informational webinar on the NEVI Annual Plan update on June 18, 2024 from 11 AM – Noon. We will share information about what has taken place over the past year, with a focus on the first round of NEVI funded charging stations, as well as plans for the next year. This webinar is open to anyone interested in this project. Register for the webinar

Update Webinar

MnDOT held a webinar on September 18, 2023, to provide an update on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. A narrated power point presentation and Question and Answer document from that webinar are now available under the Resources section of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program in Minnesota webpage.

Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator – Notice of Funding Opportunity

The Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is now open for applications on grants.gov.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program as the first major Federal funding program that focuses on a nationwide deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Of the NEVI Formula Program, 10 percent is set-aside for the Secretary of Transportation “to make grants to States and localities that require additional assistance to strategically deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure.” This first round of grant funding set-aside from the NEVI Formula Program will be for the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator to focus on repairing or replacing broken or non-operational EV chargers to improve the reliability of existing EV charging infrastructure. This NOFO offers up to $100 million from Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023. The deadline for application is November 13, 2023.

Eligible projects include those that support the repair or replacement of existing broken or non-operational publicly accessible Level 2 or Direct Current Fast Charging EV chargers. This program will be informed by data from the Alternative Fuels Station Locator. See NOFO for more information.

Eligible Applicants are State DOTs and Local Governments. MnDOT will not be applying for this funding opportunity.

More information on this NOFO and the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator is available at: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/nevi/evc_raa/.

Additionally, State Funds may be available to provide technical assistance to local agencies wanting to apply for Federal Discretionary Grants. Please see that application at https://www.dot.state.mn.us/stateaid/iija-state.html

2023 NEVI Update Approved

MnDOT submitted the Annual NEVI update to FHWA on July 31, 2023. On September 29, 2023 MnDOT was notified that the update had been approved by FHWA. With this approval, Fiscal Year 2024 funds are now available to MnDOT for obligation. The 2023 Minnesota Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan and 2023 Appendices can be found on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program in Minnesota webpage.

NEVI Grants Webpage

MnDOT will be funding the first round of investments of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program through grants to third parties. We have created a new webpage called National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program in Minnesota. The page has information on eligibility, anticipated timeline and how to get ready to apply. Additional information, to include the Request for Proposal, will be posted on this page when it is available.

Update Webinar/Q&A

MnDOT will host an update webinar on the NEVI project with time for participant questions on September 18, 2023 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Register for the webinar