Illinois and Wisconsin Accelerate EV Charging Midwest Growth

by Gateway EV Advisor Charging 15 min read

For many people thinking about going electric, one of the biggest questions is “where can I plug in?” That concern—often called range anxiety—hinges on having public chargers available where and when drivers need them. Over the past few weeks, states in the electric vehicle Midwest region have moved aggressively to expand public fast charging stations. From big state investments to federal funding flowing back into long-delayed projects, these developments are important for anyone considering an electric vehicle (EV) now or in the next few years.

In Illinois, state officials unveiled a substantial new funding round to build out the EV charging network. Governor J.B. Pritzker announced more than $65 million in dedicated funding to support charging stations along designated corridors across the state. The goal is to place chargers at regular intervals—roughly every 50 miles—so drivers can confidently plan longer trips without worrying about running out of charge. Stations funded in this round are required to operate 24 hours a day and include at least four fast chargers capable of providing about 80 percent battery capacity in roughly 30 minutes. This kind of infrastructure is particularly valuable on interstate highways and primary travel routes where EV drivers need quick top-ups.
Government Market News

The Illinois plan also expands the eligibility of projects to include charging sites along scenic byways and roads serving medium and heavy-duty EVs, such as electric buses and delivery trucks. That broader eligibility opens the door for charging infrastructure that can support broader electrification of fleets, not just personal cars, which aligns with state transportation and climate goals. Illinois has set a target of reaching one million EVs on its roads by 2030, and building reliable, accessible charging infrastructure is widely seen as critical to that ambition.
WICS

Just to the north in Wisconsin, transportation officials announced another meaningful expansion of public charging stations through a $14 million initiative supported by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. This federal program, part of the bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021, provides grant funding to states for EV charging build-out. Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation plans to install 26 new charging locations across the state, including at service stations, hotels, and other community hubs. Projects span major highway corridors and urban centers, helping close gaps in the network that EV drivers have long pointed to as a barrier to adoption.
Urban Milwaukee

Wisconsin’s recent progress comes after a pause in NEVI funding when the federal administration temporarily halted program dollars. The state and others successfully challenged that pause in court, and funding has since resumed, enabling the continuation of charger deployment. The stations planned now are designed to serve a mix of daily commuters and long-distance travelers, with an emphasis on sites that stay open extended hours, accommodating charging needs beyond traditional daytime travel patterns.
Urban Milwaukee

These state actions complement broader regional momentum. Across the Midwest, utilities and local initiatives are also playing a role in supporting EV charging. Some utility companies offer programs to support charging infrastructure development and grid integration, helping to ensure that chargers are not only built but operate reliably for users. The combination of state money, federal grants, and private-sector engagement is helping expand the EV charging Midwest network beyond its early foothold in dense urban areas into more rural and interstate locations as well.
Ameren

For drivers, more public chargers mean greater confidence in making the switch to an electric vehicle. While many EV owners do most of their charging at home, public fast charging stations provide the flexibility needed for road trips and unexpected longer drives, reducing “range anxiety.” As networks grow, the time savings and convenience of fast chargers—often providing significant range in around 30 minutes—make EV ownership more practical for a wider range of lifestyles and travel patterns.

It’s also worth noting that these investments have economic implications. Charging stations can attract visitors to local businesses, support tourism along highway corridors, and signal to employers and residents that a community is ready for advanced transportation technologies. For dealerships and prospective EV buyers in the Midwest, understanding where and how charging infrastructure is expanding helps shape decisions about which vehicle makes and models fit best with expected use patterns.

Despite positive signs, the build-out is ongoing, and challenges remain. Rural areas still lag behind urban centers in charger density, and maintenance or uptime standards vary across providers and locations. That’s why staying informed on the latest infrastructure developments is valuable for anyone considering EV ownership or supporting customers in their EV journeys.

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