Wisconsin Looking to Bring More Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to the State

Thursday, September 15th, 2022 -- 11:00 AM

(By Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) The automotive industry and local governments are navigating supply chain constraints while they electrify their fleets as Wisconsin prepares to build a network of charging stations statewide.

According to Danielle Kaeding of Wisconsin Public Radio, in August, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation submitted its plan to the federal government for placing around 60 charging stations within 50 miles of designated highways known as alternative fuel corridors. Under the state's plan, around 1,900 miles in the state would be covered by the network of charging stations.

"If we can get to these 60 project locations, 85 percent of all state highway miles in the state of Wisconsin will be within 25 miles of a fast charger," said Kaleb Vander Wiele, the DOT's transportation electrification project manager, during a virtual roundtable discussion Tuesday hosted by Wisconsin Clean Cities.

"Even if you're in rural Wood County or you are in Sawyer County or you're in Menominee County, in those locations, technically, you'll still be within 25 miles of a fast charger."

Today, Wisconsin has around 400 charging stations, of which 306 are publicly available. But only four stations meet the federal government's criteria for funding. The Federal Highway Administration will notify states by the end of the month whether their plans have been approved.

Vander Wiele said Wisconsin will use nearly $79 million in federal funds the state is set to receive over the next 5 years. The money is part of $5 billion awarded nationwide through the bipartisan infrastructure law.

It's part of broader efforts by government officials and automakers to advance the U.S. transition to clean energy and combat climate change. Transportation accounts for the largest share of heat-trapping emissions that contribute to global warming.

Last year, General Motors announced it would phase out gas-powered cars and trucks by 2035 and invest $35 billion in electric vehicles through 2025. Jason Simcoke with GM Fleet Services said the company has been helping commercial fleets pilot EVs in the Milwaukee and Chicago area.

Simcoke said that transition is slow-going as customers shift five to 10 vehicles at a time in their passenger fleets for employees who have consistent routes under 150 miles a day. Even so, he said they're facing a significant backup of orders for vehicles as automakers face supply chain constraints.

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