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ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation and partner Francis Energy on Thursday officially opened one of the first Minnesota electric vehicle (EV) charging stations made possible through a combination of federal, state and private investment.
The EV fast‑charging station in Burnsville is one of 24 sites selected as a part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The goal is to expand a reliable, statewide charging network. A Thursday ribbon cutting demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships and how they benefit the state’s transportation system.
“Expanding our fast-charging network will provide more confidence, flexibility and opportunity to Minnesotans who are driving EVs, or who want to,” said MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. “That’s why partnerships with companies like Francis Energy are so important as we work to close gaps in EV charging and support a more reliable, accessible transportation network statewide.”
The number of electric vehicles in Minnesota has grown by 1,000% since 2018. EVs as a percentage of car sales more than tripled between 2021 (2.9%) and 2025 (6.6%).
“Opening our first EV charging station in Minnesota marks a major milestone for Francis Energy, expanding our fast-charging network to 10 states as we continue our growth nationwide,” said Francis Energy Founder and CEO David Jankowsky. “We are grateful to the entire team at MnDOT for their partnership with Francis Energy to provide equitable, affordable, reliable and safe access to public charging stations across the state.”
All 24 NEVI-funded sites will be operational or under construction this summer, with more on the way. MnDOT is developing a third round of electric vehicle infrastructure grants and will release a request for proposal (RFP) later this summer. Learn more about the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program in Minnesota.
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www.mndot.gov
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