Dane County Accelerates Electric Vehicle Future With 70 New Charging Stations—But Will Funding Stall Progress?
Dane County targets EV accessibility with plans for 70 new chargers. Is Wisconsin’s green momentum at risk after a federal funding freeze?
- 70: New EV charging stations planned for Dane County in 2025
- $13.2 million: Federal grant fueling the project
- 25%: Wisconsin EVs registered in Dane County
- 90%: National EV charging still done at home garages
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers across Dane County are about to see a major shift. With rising EV adoption rates, the county has launched an ambitious plan to install up to 70 new charging stations—but the path ahead is clouded by national funding hiccups and fierce demand from local communities.
With a U.S. Department of Energy grant backing their efforts, the Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change is pushing forward, aiming to ensure everyone—renters, urban dwellers, and commuters—can tap into the electric revolution.
Why Is EV Charging Still So Hard in Dane County?
EV adoption in Dane County is soaring. The region boasts about a quarter of Wisconsin’s 27,000 electric vehicles, an impressive number for the Midwest. Yet, for almost 37% of local residents who live in apartments or attached homes, charging an electric car overnight is still out of reach. The result? Inequality in access, putting a brake on faster EV uptake.
Kathy Kuntz, who heads the push for clean energy, underscores the urgency: she likens today’s EV charging gap to the broadband deserts that left parts of America behind.
Where Will the New Chargers Go?
Dane County’s plan is sweeping. Possible locations include:
- Local business parking lots
- Transit hubs
- Churches and community centers
- Apartment complexes
Level 2 chargers—faster and more affordable than high-speed “Level 3” options—are the top priority. These offer the right mix of speed and convenience, charging most EVs fully overnight and costing as little as five cents per mile.
How Does Charging Work—and What Does It Cost?
- Level 1 Charging: The slow “trickle charge” through a regular wall outlet—just 2–5 miles of range per hour.
- Level 2 Charging: The sweet spot for home and public stations—10–20 miles per hour, but requires a 240-volt outlet.
- Level 3 (Fast Charging): A pricey but powerful option—charges an EV to 80% in under an hour at an average of 20 cents per mile.
While some Tesla and public charging networks offer Level 3 chargers, installation and maintenance costs keep these rare outside urban and commercial zones.
Is Federal Support in Jeopardy?
The effort got a huge boost from a $13.2 million federal grant, but future phases face major uncertainty. A funding freeze imposed by the last administration has left states—including Wisconsin—fighting in court to unlock money allotted by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Dane County officials are cautiously optimistic. The planning phase is paid for, but rolling out hardware depends on Washington’s next move. The “worst case,” they warn, would be ready-to-go sites stuck in limbo until more cash arrives.
How Can Businesses and Communities Claim a Charger?
Local organizations, businesses, apartment buildings, and community groups have until June 13 to propose station sites. Chosen locations get fully installed chargers—no upfront costs for hosts, since user fees will foot the energy bill. In turn, sites benefit from increased traffic and revamped green credentials.
Kuntz and county leaders urge anyone interested—even if they’re unsure—to apply and have that conversation. The ultimate goal: a Dane County where EV infrastructure is as accessible as the cars themselves.
Why Does This Matter for Wisconsin?
Expanding EV infrastructure isn’t just convenience—it’s climate action. With much of Wisconsin still reliant on traditional vehicles, boosting charging access unlocks cleaner air and lower transportation costs for all. It’s part of Dane County’s wider effort to lead in sustainable practices across the Midwest.
Stay tuned to updates from Dane County and The White House as this high-stakes charging station rollout moves forward.
What Should You Do Now?
Ready to power up your community? Act fast—applications for proposed EV station locations close June 13!
- Check your eligibility if you represent a business, apartment, or community site
- Submit a proposal for a charging station
- Spread the word to friends, neighbors, and local organizations
- Monitor updates on available federal funding and station rollout status
Help Dane County drive the future—step up and electrify your neighborhood today!
