SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Yesterday, the Minnesota House Sustainable Infrastructure Committee heard House File 1346, authored by Rep. Larry Kraft (DFL - St. Louis Park). The bill creates a statewide network of fast chargers on key travel corridors through the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The program initially funds the addition of fast chargers for electric vehicles (EVs) on two federally designated alternative fuel corridors, I-35 and I-94. The chargers will be no more than fifty miles apart and will be within 1 mile of the corridor.
“Electric vehicles are here, and the demand is high,” said Rep Kraft. “With the implementation of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program by the federal government, this bill unlocks $68 million in federal funds over the next five years to install EV fast chargers enabling reliable, long-distance EV travel. EVs are imperative to tackling climate change, but we must address concerns potential EV owners might have about EV charging while on longer trips.”
The bill was referred to the House Transportation Committee for further consideration. The Senate’s companion bill is awaiting its first hearing.
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