National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program in Minnesota
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program is providing funds to states to build a convenient, affordable, reliable, and equitable fast charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) across the United States. Over five years (federal fiscal year 2022 through 2026) Minnesota expects to receive and invest about $68 million from the NEVI Formula Program. MnDOT is responsible for administering the NEVI Formula Program funds in Minnesota.
Eligibility
The NEVI Formula Program funds must first be used to build out a state's Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) with fast charging stations as described in FHWA Final National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Standards and Requirements.
Key requirements
- Stations located no more than 50 miles apart along the AFC.
- Stations located less than one mile driving distance from the AFC Exit.
- Stations have a minimum of four 150 kW charging ports able to operate simultaneously.
- Stations are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no entry fee to access the chargers.
In Minnesota, the AFCs for EV Charging are Interstate 94 (I-94) and Interstate 35 (I-35). For the first round of NEVI funds, we will be selecting projects from the clusters and exits identified in the 2023 MN Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan. These areas can be found on the online mapping tool.
Private or public entities are eligible to apply for NEVI funds. Details of what will be required will be part of the Request for Proposal application process. Successful applicants will be required to enter a contract with MnDOT. The project team must include an experienced charging network provider and an entity with ownership or lease of the property through the five-year operations and maintenance period.
How it works
We'll issue a competitive grant Request for Proposal (RFP) for Round 1 of NEVI funding investments later in 2023.
Anticipated timeline
- Sept 18, 2023: Process update webinar
- Early winter 2023: Grant Request for Proposal for site applications
- Winter 2023-24: Application window
- Late winter/spring 2024: Application review and site selection
Learn about our application process
- Webinar: Minnesota Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan Update
1-2 p.m., Sept. 18, 2023
Register for the webinar
Get ready to apply
Step 1: Get familiar with the NEVI program
- Read the Federal Highway Administration EV Charging Minimum Standards Final Rule and the resources on the FHWA NEVI Program website.
- Read the Minnesota Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan (PDF).
Step 2: Put a team together
We will be looking for a team approach to site applications to include partners for owning the site, design, installation, operation and maintenance, vendors and others. If you need to find interested partners, consider the list of Fast Charging Interested Partners.
Step 3: Select site and assess site readiness
Review the potential clusters and exits that MnDOT has identified that will be include in the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Round 1 of NEVI investments on the online mapping tool.
Step 4: Coordinate with utilities
Contact the utility for the location of interest. Utility contact information can be found on the online mapping tool or by visiting the MN Public Utilities Commission Electric Service Area Maps page. The location must have enough power to operate at least four 150 kW charging ports at the same time for a total of at least 600 kW.
Step 5: Coordinate with zoning and permitting authorities
Contact the zoning and permitting authorities for the potential site locations to verify EV charging stations are an allowable use and to understand the permitting process. Where available, information on links to applicable zoning and permitting has been included as a data layer in the online mapping tool.
Step 6: Register for a Unique Entity ID (UEI) number
Required for receipt of federal funds. They are issued by Federal Contracting Services.