Many of the challenges to getting people into electric vehicles (EVs) aren’t unique to Minnesota, such as high price tags, low supply of models and range anxiety. But there are others.
Electric buses are sitting at Minnesota factories, waiting for parts. The state trade group for auto dealers is fighting Minnesota’s new clean-car standards in court. A gridlocked Legislature put critical federal dollars for electrifying transportation at risk. There’s little workforce training for mechanics to service electric vehicles. The power distribution system requires upgrades and expansions so people can plug in electric cars without overloading it, and so utilities can power vehicles with green energy.
One of Minnesota’s most immediate tasks is finding a state match to unlock $68 million from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The money will fund 85 new high-speed public charging stations across the state.
