Letter to the Editor: More charging stations needed

It is nice to know the funding provided by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program will finally be put to use. As part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in November 2021, there has been a significant gap between authorization of funds and the actual implementation.

As one of the few owners of an electric vehicle living in Carlton County, I have noticed a lack of charging infrastructure north of Grand Rapids and the northern arrowhead region. When driving along the major traffic corridors of Interstate 35 and Interstate 94, I’ve never had an issue with finding charging stations for my journey. I simply departed in my car the same as I did years ago with a gasoline powered vehicle since charging stations are rather numerous in the southern part of the state.

It is when traveling north of my home that I experience the challenges. Northern Minnesota, as well as the Dakotas and other northern states, tend to have few public charging locations. I’ve never had to cancel a trip since I was always able to charge at my destination or at a business along the way, but this reality may soon change as electric vehicles become more common. For this reason, I encourage businesses throughout northern Minnesota to install their own charging stations.

Whether through government grants or shouldering the financial burden through investment, providing paying customers with a convenient place to charge will encourage electric vehicle drivers to patronize businesses throughout the north. Electric cars and trucks as well as other zero emissions vehicles are here to stay, and Minnesota needs to be ready.

James Bragge, Carlton