Summary
– $23.3 million in federal grants awarded by WisDOT to expand EV charging infrastructure in Wisconsin in 53 locations
– Kwik Trip, with 24 gas stations being the biggest beneficiary, excited to offer more EV charging locations
– Lack of publicly available charging stations for electric vehicles identified as the main problem in Wisconsin
– Fast charging stations that take 20-30 minutes to charge will be installed at two dozen Kwik Trips
– EV charging stations expected to be operational by this fall, with the project continuing into 2025.
Article
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has allocated $23.3 million in federal funding to enhance electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the state through the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. The aim is to alleviate the anxiety of electric vehicle drivers by providing more charging stations across Wisconsin. Kaleb Vander Wiele, the transportation electrification project manager for WisDOT, expressed excitement about the geographical dispersion of the funding, with projects reaching as far north as Ashland. The primary beneficiary of the funding is Kwik Trip, with 24 of its gas stations set to benefit from the initiative. Ben Leibl, a public relations specialist for Kwik Trip, highlighted the importance of expanding charging options, particularly along major highways and interstates, to enable seamless travel within the state for electric vehicle drivers.
The lack of publicly available charging stations has been identified as a key challenge for electric vehicle adoption in Wisconsin, according to Vander Wiele. To address this issue, the funds will be used to install fast charging stations across the state, reducing the charging time to 20-30 minutes. These charging stations will be located in various Kwik Trip locations, including gas stations, hotels, and grocery stores in counties ranging from Douglas County in the north to Kenosha County in the south. Babar Ansaree, an EV Hummer pickup driver, emphasized the importance of convenient charging infrastructure in sparking interest in electric vehicles and reducing emissions. However, some gas-powered vehicle drivers, such as Paul Good, expressed skepticism about the need for EV infrastructure at this time.
The expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure is expected to benefit both current electric vehicle drivers and potentially attract more individuals to switch to electric vehicles. By increasing the availability of fast charging stations at convenient locations like gas stations and grocery stores, the initiative aims to alleviate range anxiety for electric vehicle drivers, enabling them to travel more freely across the state without worrying about running out of charge. The convenience and speed of charging at these new stations, such as those to be installed in Kwik Trip locations, are expected to enhance the overall experience for electric vehicle drivers and make electric vehicles a more attractive option for consumers.
Kwik Trip, one of the main recipients of the funding, is enthusiastic about the opportunity to offer EV fast chargers at their locations. Leibl highlighted the role of alternative fuels in providing more options for their guests and supporting the adoption of electric vehicles. The project is expected to not only benefit electric vehicle drivers but also contribute to reducing emissions and promoting sustainability within the transportation sector. With the EV charging stations set to be operational by fall, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is committed to expanding the charging infrastructure in the state to support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. The project is scheduled to continue through 2025, with a focus on making electric vehicle charging more accessible and convenient for drivers across Wisconsin.
Overall, the allocation of federal funding for expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Wisconsin represents a significant step towards promoting electric vehicle adoption, reducing emissions, and supporting sustainable transportation options. The implementation of fast charging stations at various locations across the state, particularly in partnership with Kwik Trip, aims to address the current challenges faced by electric vehicle drivers and enhance the overall experience of owning and driving an electric vehicle. As the project progresses and more charging stations become operational, it is expected to encourage more individuals to consider electric vehicles as an alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more efficient transportation system in Wisconsin.
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