Albert Lea’s Tesla charging station at Trail’s Travel Center has been selected to receive funding from the state intended to build and maintain electric vehicle fast-charging stations.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation on Thursday announced that 13 grantees have been selected to move to the next step in the process to receive funding from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. Grant dollars are a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is designed to provide a convenient, affordable, reliable and equitable national network of EV chargers.

“This is a critical step in our efforts to make sure no matter where you travel in this great state, you’re able to quickly charge your electric vehicle and get back on the road exploring Minnesota,” said Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger.  “The NEVI program provides every state the opportunity to build out much needed fast charging stations for electric vehicles. We appreciate hearing from so many Minnesotans in this process and your input will help to continue building this infrastructure across our state.”

MnDOT selected 13 locations from 38 applicants along the designated I-94 and I-35 Alternative Fuel Corridors. Combined, those selected will receive more than $7.8 million dollars in funding to build, own and operate fast charging stations.

Locations selected:

• Circle K Stores, Moorhead: $497,735
• Pilot Travel Centers, Alexandria: $783,554
• Circle K Stores, Sauk Center: $497,735
• Universal EV, St. Cloud: $590,952
• Kwik Trip, St. Michael: $660,662
• Francis Energy Charging, Brooklyn Park: $758,677
• Circle K Stores, Proctor: $497,735
• Kwik Trip, Moose Lake: $746,764
• Circle K Stores, Forest Lake: $497,735
• Francis Energy Charging, Burnsville:   $828,952
• Tesla, Albert Lea: $546,512

The sites that were selected met the following requirements:

• Located no more than 50 miles apart along the Alternative Fuel Corridor
• Located less than one mile driving distance from an interstate exit
• Have a minimum of four 150 kW charging ports able to operate simultaneously
• Are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no entry fee to access the chargers

The next steps for the 13 locations include finalizing contracts, conducting environmental reviews and finalizing site designs. Station installations are expected within the next year.

MnDOT is also planning for the next round of funding and has begun outreach efforts to learn more about what Minnesotans think about possible locations and additional priorities that can help in the selection process.