Image: Kwik TripThe Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has opened applications for the next round of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding to expand EV charging infrastructure along heavily travelled US and state highway corridors. WisDOT is accepting project proposals until 24 July 2026 and plans to announce funding awards in autumn 2026.Around $40 million in NEVI funding remains available under the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) programme. The latter is a competitive funding scheme that distributes NEVI Formula Program funds to eligible entities for the installation, ownership, operation and maintenance of NEVI-compliant EV charging stations across the state. The programme covers up to 80 per cent of project costs through federal funding, while applicants must provide at least 20 per cent in non-federal matching funds.Wisconsin was allocated $78.65 million under the federal NEVI programme through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. So far, WisDOT has awarded around $37 million to support 78 charging projects across the state, including installations at fuel retailers, grocery stores, hotels and restaurants. According to the department, 21 charging sites are already operational.Previous funding rounds focused on building charging infrastructure along Wisconsin’s Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC) network, which includes major interstates, US highways and state highways. Under NEVI requirements, charging stations must be located within one travel mile of designated corridors and spaced no more than 50 miles apart.WisDOT said the AFC network is now considered fully built out, enabling the state to expand funding towards connecting corridors and additional charging locations. New charging stations funded under the programme will be located within one mile of a highway intersection or interstate exit and include four charger ports.Future projects will be funded through the WEVI Connecting Corridors Program, which aims to extend charging coverage beyond the existing AFC network.“Businesses throughout Wisconsin have stepped up to help us deliver a reliable network of charging options for the growing number of EV users in the state,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “With more than 40,000 EVs registered in Wisconsin, and even more travellers coming here to visit, we’ve seen frequent and steady use of the chargers that are operational right now,” Boardman added.