Minnesota to invest $41.2m in EV charging network
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has announced plans to invest over $41 million in the state's EV charging network. MnDOT's third - and largest - round of grants will prioritise fast-charging infrastructure in Greater Minnesota.
According to MnDOT, the scheme’s request for proposals for round 3a is now open, with a deadline of 2 November 2026. Applicants are invited to fill in a range of forms covering technical requirements, scope of work, site technical proposals and more, as well as complete an application comprising an area map, site design and layout, EVSE cut sheets, electrical diagrams, and certification documents. Conditional awards will then be announced in late December 2026 to January 2027. (More details here)
The grants are being offered through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, through which MnDOT has released two rounds of EV charging funding to date. Earlier rounds provided funding worth more than $16 million, which supported 24 fast-charging sites on the I-94, I-35, and I-90 highways with a combination of federal, state and private investment. Eight of these stations are now open. This time, round three of the scheme will provide 80 per cent Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding with a 20 per cent investment by each grantee.
“NEVI funding is used to further develop a fast-charging network and will go a long way towards reducing range anxiety for long-distance travel needs in our state,” said MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. “Expanding our fast-charging network will provide more confidence, flexibility and opportunity for people in Minnesota who are driving EVs, or who want to in the future.”
Earlier this year, the federal NEVI programme was suspended. However, Minnesota’s Department of Transportation secured $4.5 million for its second round of funds and said it aimed to provide another $4.7 million in state funding for a total of $10 million. It appears that it has managed to secure further NEVI funding for this third round despite the end of the federal scheme.