MnDOT announces I-35 car charging spots

The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced this week that 13 sites 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.

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 along Interstate 35 include Circle K Stores, formerly Holiday, in Proctor ($497,735) and Kwik Trip in Moose Lake ($746,764). There will also be stations in Pine City, North Branch and Forest Lake.

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.

The NEVI program provides funds to states to build a convenient, affordable, reliable, and equitable fast-charging network for EVs across the United States. Over five years (federal fiscal year 2022 through 2026), Minnesota expects to receive and invest about $68 million.