MADISON (WKOW) — Dane County is advancing its efforts to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging access with the launch of phase two of the “Charge Up Dane County” initiative.
The plan includes the proposal of 22 new charging stations across the region. Many EV owners charge their vehicles at home, but this isn’t an option for everyone, particularly renters without access to a garage or private outlet.
“This will increase the attraction of electric vehicles,” said Kathryn Kuntz, director of the Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change.
Kuntz emphasized that the county is focusing on three priorities for charger placement, alongside ADA regulations requiring a maximum 2% incline for station construction.
“We care about dense neighborhoods where there are apartment dwellers. We also care about rural areas, and we care about multimodal areas,” said Kuntz.
Dane County is currently planning charger sites and working to meet federal requirements before starting construction. The county is awaiting federal approval, a challenge faced by similar projects nationwide.
“There are probably 30 projects like us across the country, and nobody under this administration has gotten the amendment to go forward with construction,” Kuntz said.
Yash Babar, an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, highlighted the economic benefits for nearby businesses when a charging station is present.
“Business can go up to by like 4% to 5% and not just in terms of visits to the store, but also spending,” said Babar.
County officials anticipate announcing a third round of proposals in March or April.
