4 High-Speed Public EV Charging Ports To Be Installed In Northern Wisconsin – CleanTechnica

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Here at CleanTechnica we have had the privilege of reporting on some rather large EV charger installations, such as the one with over 1,200 charging ports in British Columbia and one in the San Francisco Bay with 143.

The installation of four new high-speed EV charging ports in northern Wisconsin might not seem like a big deal in comparison, but it is for an area that doesn’t have many public EV chargers in general and not many high-speed charging ports.

That is to say, every new public EV charging port installation matters, because each one fills in the gaps for EV drivers in areas where there aren’t enough chargers yet. When new public EV chargers are installed in such areas, there is less distance between existing public chargers, and hence, less “range anxiety.” In other words, it is not necessary for fully electric vehicles to have 750 miles of range, nor will it be necessary.

Rhinelander, Wisconsin, is in the northern part of the state and has a human population of about 8,200. It is a hub of industrial, commercial, and recreational activity, according to Wikipedia. It is also known for its outdoor activities.

Wade Leipold, the executive vice president of Faith Technologies Incorporated™ (FTI) and Zero 60™, FTI’s national electric vehicle charge point operator brand, answered some questions for CleanTechnica.

Is the funding from the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) program connected to NEVI?

The Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) Program is a grant program that uses NEVI Formula Program funds to help expand EV charging across the state. It supports eligible groups that want to install, own, operate and maintain charging stations that meet NEVI standards. Through the program, projects can get up to 80% of their costs covered by federal funding, with applicants contributing at least 20% from non-federal sources.

What is the state-designated Alternative Fuel Corridor and how far is it from the new charging ports?

Our Culver’s site in Rhinelander is located on Business Route 8 (West Kemp Street), just a half-mile from the state-designated Alternative Fuel Corridor along U.S. Highway 8.

Is Culver’s a popular local restaurant?

Culver’s is an iconic fast-casual restaurant chain that originated in Wisconsin. People know it best for its ButterBurgers, fresh, frozen custard and classic Wisconsin cheese curds. Whether you’re from the area or just passing through, Culver’s draws people in with its fresh-made meals, real ingredients and signature Midwestern hospitality.

Is there quite a bit of traffic near the charging hub location, 620 W. Kemp St. in Rhinelander?

This Zero 60 charging station is located just off U.S. Highway 8, a key travel corridor in the region. While Rhinelander is not a major metropolitan area, Highway 8 experiences steady traffic with higher volumes during peak travel hours, weekends and holiday periods.

What is the distance to the closest EV chargers from the new charging hub?

The nearest public EV charging station is in Minocqua, about 26 miles from our new charging hub.

How many public EV chargers are in Rhinelander?

Our station will be the fastest DC charging option in Rhinelander. Right now, the only other public charging option is a single CCS1 charging port at a local dealership offering 50 kW charging and located more than three miles from U.S. Route 8.