Bill Expands State’s EV Charging Network
Legislature passes law allowing businesses to own and operate charging stations without being regulated as utilities.
A ChargePoint electric car charging station sits in the parking lot of Garver Feed Mill in Madison, Wis., on Feb. 12, 2022. File photo by Jim Malewitz/Wisconsin Watch.
A GOP bill that would bring Wisconsin one step closer to building a network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles has cleared the state Legislature.
The state Senate almost unanimously passed the bill Tuesday that makes changes to state law allowing private businesses to own and operate charging stations without being regulated as utilities. It now heads to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers for his signature.
Chelsea Chandler, climate, energy and air program director for Clean Wisconsin, said it’s a big deal for Wisconsin.
“That’s a big influx of investment into Wisconsin electric vehicle charging,” Chandler said. “Right now, we are not where I think a lot of people would like us to be on offering EV charging, and that is definitely holding back more people from making the switch from your traditional gas vehicles to electric.”
Wisconsin has 568 charging stations with 1,385 ports that the public can access, trailing most neighboring states in terms of charging infrastructure. The vast majority of them are not Level 3 or fast-charging stations. Without the change in state law, electric vehicle owners currently pay for the amount of time it takes to recharge, which can vary based on the vehicle or speed of charging stations.
Businesses that include convenience store chains like La Crosse-based Kwik Trip, 7-Eleven and the supermarket chain Hy-Vee support the legislation. State Sen. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green, and state Rep. Nancy VanderMeer, R-Tomah, sponsored the proposal.
The Legislature already passed another bill in February that would authorize the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to set up and fund an EV infrastructure program. The state is preparing to build around 65 fast-charging stations statewide, and it would receive funding over the span of five years under the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law.
Federal funds would pay up to 80 percent of the cost to install charging stations. They would be placed every 50 miles along designated highways, including at restaurants, big box stores and convenience stations. That includes major interstates like I-94 and I-39. The state’s plan also includes routes like U.S. Highway 2 and Highway 51 in northern Wisconsin, which is lacking EV charging stations.
George Bussey, who lives south of Ashland, bought a 2021 Chevy Bolt with his wife two years ago. He’s among few people in northern Wisconsin who own electric vehicles. Danielle Kaeding/WPR
The bill passed on Tuesday included an Assembly amendment that prevents local governments from requiring private developers to install charging stations in order to obtain a building permit or other approvals. In Madison, a city ordinance requires some multi-family dwellings and commercial developments to install EV charging stations at a limited number of parking spots.
Local governments are generally prohibited from owning and operating charging stations under the legislation. But the amendment would allow them to own slower Level 1 and Level 2 stations and offer them for public use free of charge. They could also have Level 3 or fast-charging stations if they’re solely used by local government.
Allison Carlson, executive director of the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition, represents 23 communities. They include cities like Madison, Eau Claire, Milwaukee and Stevens Point. She said some communities like Eau Claire had been charging a fee for Level 2 and Level 3 chargers.
Overall, Carlson said the legislation is significant and long overdue, noting it will help communities meet their clean energy goals.
The transportation sector accounts for the largest share of heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Because they don’t burn gasoline, EVs are a lower-emissions option compared to an internal combustion engine, contributing less to climate change.
The bill has received widespread support. Environmental, local government and business groups have registered their support for the bill along with the state’s largest investor-owned utilities. Those supporting the legislation include Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and Clean Wisconsin.
Wisconsin is closer to building out an EV charging network was originally published by Wisconsin Public Radio.
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As an electric vehicle owner eager to explore more of Wisconsin, I think it is a great idea to expand the network of fast-charging stations in the state by allowing private business ownership. It’s a game-changer for individuals like myself who rely on these stations for convenient road trips and longer journeys. Moreover, this initiative isn’t just about catering to enthusiasts or road trippers; it’s about ensuring accessibility for all potential EV drivers, including a large number of people who are without home charging capabilities. By allowing private businesses to operate charging stations, this bill opens up tons of charging options at workplaces, convenience stores, coffee shops, and grocery stores, making electric vehicle adoption more feasible and inclusive for everyone. Kudos to the policymakers for recognizing the importance of infrastructure in accelerating the transition to cleaner transportation alternatives.