Minnesota to fund 40 new EV fast-charging
Minnesota is allocating $41.2 million in federal NEVI funds to build up to 40 new public EV fast-charging stations beyond its major interstates, targeting
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is making $41.2 million available to expand the state's electric vehicle fast-charging network. This third and largest round of funding under the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program aims to fill charging gaps in Greater Minnesota.
There are 74 eligible geographic areas where developers can propose stations. MnDOT expects to award grants for up to 40 sites, with only one station funded per area. The expansion targets highways beyond the state's three major interstates, which were the focus of earlier funding rounds.
Funding Shift and State Goals
Minnesota's first two NEVI rounds were limited to corridors along Interstates 35, 90, and 94. The federal government has since certified those three alternative fuel corridors as fully built out. This allows the state to spend its remaining NEVI funds on other highways.
"NEVI funding is used to further develop a fast-charging network and will go a long way toward reducing range anxiety for long-distance travel needs in our state," said MnDOT commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. The push comes as Minnesota's registered EV population has grown tenfold since 2018, from around 9,000 to 90,000 vehicles.
Technical and Operational Requirements
Every funded charging site must meet specific technical standards set by MnDOT. Each location must have a minimum number of connectors capable of delivering high power.
| Connector Type | Minimum Quantity | Minimum Power per Port |
|---|---|---|
| NACS (Tesla plug) | 4 | 150 kW |
| CCS1 | 4 | 150 kW |
The 150 kW power delivery must be possible even when all ports are in use simultaneously. Sites must be open to the public during the host business's operating hours and include at least one ADA-compliant charging space. Adequate lighting and either security cameras or on-site staff are also required.
Given Minnesota's climate, operators must clear snow within two hours after a storm ends whenever accumulation exceeds one inch.
Financial Structure and Previous Awards
Federal NEVI funds will cover 80% of each project's eligible costs. Grant recipients are responsible for the remaining 20%. The public or private organizations that win the grants will own and operate the chargers.
In its first two funding rounds, MnDOT awarded more than $16 million. That money supported 24 fast-charging sites along I-35, I-90, and I-94. As of August 6, eight of those sites were operational, with the others in preconstruction or under construction.
Application Timeline
Applications for this new $41.2 million funding round are due by 4 p.m. On November 2. MnDOT expects to announce conditional awards in late December 2026 or January 2027.
