Minnesota’s largest round of federal fast-charging grants is entering its final weeks. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is offering up to $41.2 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grants focused on Greater Minnesota, with proposals due on November 2, 2026. MnDOT announced the round on September 1 and continued answering applicant questions through October.
Key Takeaways
- MnDOT offers up to $41.2 million in NEVI grants.
- The round focuses on fast charging in Greater Minnesota.
- Grantees must contribute 20% of project costs.
- Proposals are due November 2, 2026.
Key Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding | Up to $41.2 million |
| Funding split | 80% federal (IIJA), 20% grantee investment |
| Focus | Fast charging in Greater Minnesota |
| Proposal deadline | November 2, 2026 |
| Earlier rounds | More than $16 million, 24 fast-charging sites |
| NEVI stations open | 8 |
Background
MnDOT says EV ownership in Minnesota has grown from about 9,000 to 90,000 since 2018. The first two funding rounds supported sites along I-94, I-35 and I-90. This third round targets the rest of the state, where long distances between towns make reliable fast charging important for travel confidence.
What It Means
Rural fast-charging sites face cold winters, long cable runs and limited grid capacity, so equipment choice and utility coordination matter as much as the grant itself. Applicants must meet NEVI technical rules, including at least 150 kW DC ports, and contribute 20% of costs. Hosts that also want lower-cost charging for local drivers can pair corridor chargers with Level 2 posts such as our EV-ACT5006T 48A Level 2 wall charger (ETL/FCC/CE). See our commercial charging solutions for planning help.
Related Reading
- EV Charging News: Arizona Opens Its First Three NEVI Stations and Seeks Bids for 49 More
- Why Is DC Fast Charging So Expensive?
- Where to Install an EV Charging Station: Site Selection Guide
