Otis Singleton
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in Minnesota. As of January 2024, there were 53,356 electric vehicles registered in the state, a significant increase from the 34,000 registrations as of January 2023. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has implemented initiatives to support the adoption of EVs, including the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which provides funding for the development of convenient and affordable charging networks. The state has also introduced incentives such as consumer rebates and grants to promote the purchase of EVs and the expansion of charging infrastructure. With improvements in battery technology and an increasing number of auto manufacturers developing EVs, the future of driving in Minnesota is looking increasingly electric.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of electric vehicles | 34,000 (as of January 2023) |
| Percentage of total cars | 0.25% (as of February 2021) |
| Percentage of new vehicle sales | 3% (as of May 2022) |
| Number of public charging stations | 1,171 (as of June 2021) |
| Number of public DC charging stations | 55 (as of August 2022) |
| Federal funding for EV infrastructure | $68 million |
| State funding for EV infrastructure | $13.6 million |
| MnDOT goal for EVs as a share of light-duty vehicles by 2025 | 5% |
| MnDOT goal for EVs as a share of light-duty vehicles by 2040 | 65% |
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What You'll Learn
Electric vehicle registrations in Minnesota
Electric vehicle (EV) registrations in Minnesota have been steadily increasing, with over 34,000 registrations as of January 2023, according to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. This is a significant increase from the approximately 19,000 electric vehicles registered in the state as of February 2021. Despite this positive trend, Minnesota is not yet on track to meet its statewide targets for EV adoption. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) aims to have 5% of light-duty vehicles registered in the state be EVs by 2025 and a more ambitious target of 65% by 2040.
To accelerate EV adoption in Minnesota, various incentives and programs have been implemented. For instance, the state offers tax credits and rebate programs to encourage the purchase of EVs. Additionally, the Evie Carshare service, owned by the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, has gained popularity since its launch in 2022, providing an innovative and invaluable community asset with over 150,000 trips and 1.5 million zero-emission miles. This service has helped reduce the carbon footprint of the Twin Cities while serving the transportation needs of diverse communities.
The state has also focused on expanding its charging infrastructure. As of June 2021, Minnesota had 1,171 public EV charging stations, with an additional 55 public DC charging stations as of August 2022. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law in November 2021, allocated a $68 million specifically for charging stations in Minnesota. This federal funding is aimed at expanding charging stations, particularly in rural areas where EVs are less prevalent.
Furthermore, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has implemented the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula (NEVI) Program, which provides funding to support the development of convenient, affordable, efficient, and equitable fast-charging networks. MnDOT is expected to invest approximately $68 million over the 2022-2026 fiscal years through NEVI, with an additional $13.6 million in supplementary funding approved by state lawmakers. This funding will be crucial in expanding the adoption of EVs in Minnesota, addressing range anxiety, and reducing the state's transportation greenhouse gas emissions.
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EV charging stations in Minnesota
As of June 2021, there were approximately 1,200 public charging stations in Minnesota, with 55 public DC charging stations as of August 2022. The state intends to expand its EV charging network, with $68 million allocated for charging stations in Minnesota through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Additionally, Minnesota will receive $47 million from the national Volkswagen (VW) settlement by 2028, which will be used to build EV charging infrastructure.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is playing a significant role in developing EV charging stations. In 2019, the MPCA awarded $1.4 million in grants to install 22 EV fast-charging stations along highway corridors in Greater Minnesota. From 2020 to 2023, the agency plans to invest an additional $3.5 million in EV charging stations, expanding the network by over 2,500 miles. This expansion will make it more convenient for EV drivers to travel long distances within the state without worrying about finding charging stations.
ZEF Energy Inc., a Minneapolis-based company, has been selected to construct four EV fast-charging corridors, adding approximately 1,110 miles to the state's charging network. Each station built by ZEF Energy will feature one 50 kW charger and a Level 2 backup, with the capacity to install additional 50 kW stations or a single station with up to 350 kW in the future. Greenlots, a company based in Los Angeles, will construct another corridor, adding to the state's growing EV charging network.
The state's efforts to expand its EV charging infrastructure are aligned with the goals of MnDOT, which aims to have 5% of light-duty vehicles registered in Minnesota be EVs by 2025 and a more ambitious target of 65% by 2040. Electrifying light-duty vehicles is a crucial strategy to reduce transportation greenhouse gas emissions in the state, as they are currently the largest contributors.
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EV market trends and strategies
Minnesota is witnessing a surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with registrations continuing to increase. While the state is not yet on track to meet its climate goals, it is making progress. Light-duty vehicles with internal combustion engines are the largest contributors to transportation greenhouse gas emissions, and electrifying transportation is an important strategy for reducing emissions and achieving the state's goal of having one out of every five cars be electric by 2030.
To further drive the adoption of EVs, Minnesota can implement strategies such as providing incentives for the installation of charging technologies and supporting the development of heavy-duty EV technologies. The state can also learn from other states and countries that have successfully implemented similar programs. For example, California leads in incentivizing commercial fleet EVs, while Colorado, Washington, New York, and New Jersey have plug incentive programs that encourage the installation of charging infrastructure.
At the federal level, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program was created to fund the installation of fast chargers for electric vehicles. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act has induced significant government incentives for the transportation industry, promoting clean energy.
On a global scale, the EV market is also experiencing significant trends and strategies. In 2023, China's New Energy Vehicle (NEV) industry operated without national subsidies for EV purchases for the first time, yet the country still saw an increase of 35% in new electric car registrations. This growth is attributed to the increasing sales of electric cars, while conventional car sales contracted. Chinese carmakers are now seeking to expand internationally, and their competitive pricing may capture market share, especially in the small car segment.
In Europe, new electric car registrations reached 3.2 million in 2023, a 20% increase from 2022. Several European countries have reached important milestones, and the region's policies, such as those regarding the circularity of EV batteries, impact possible trade flows. Leasing business models have also contributed to the sustained electric car roll-out, as they enable cars to qualify for tax credits even if they do not fully meet the requirements.
Overall, the EV market is dynamic and rapidly evolving, with various strategies and trends shaping its growth. Minnesota can leverage these trends and strategies to further advance its clean energy goals and increase the adoption of EVs.
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Incentives for electric vehicles
As of February 2021, there were approximately 19,000 electric vehicles in Minnesota, representing around 0.25% of the state's total car population. The state has set a target of 5% of light-duty vehicles registered in Minnesota to be electric vehicles by 2025 and 65% by 2040. To achieve these goals, Minnesota has introduced various incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.
One such incentive is the Drive Electric Minnesota initiative, led by the Great Plains Institute. This partnership brings together EV advocates to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in the state. The initiative provides a database of information on existing and upcoming incentives for electric vehicles and charging stations.
Minnesota also offers a rebate program for electric vehicle purchases. The State of Minnesota EV rebate program provides financial incentives to those who purchase electric vehicles. However, as of July 2023, all funds for this program have been claimed, and new applications are no longer being accepted. The federal tax credit program, on the other hand, is still open and accepting applications.
At the federal level, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program was established to provide funding for states to install fast chargers for electric vehicles. Minnesota expects to invest approximately $68 million in NEVI funds over five years, focusing on light-duty EV charging needs along existing Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) on Interstate 94 and Interstate 35. Additionally, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, enacted in November 2021, allocates an additional $68 million for charging stations in Minnesota.
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Electric vehicle performance in cold weather
Electric vehicles (EVs) in Minnesota include electric, hydrogen fuel cell-powered, and other non-carbon-fuelled vehicles. As of February 2021, there were approximately 19,000 electric vehicles in the state, representing about 0.25% of all cars in Minnesota. While EV registrations continue to rise, the state is not yet on track to meet its targets. MnDOT aims for 5% of light-duty vehicles registered in Minnesota to be EVs by 2025 and 65% by 2040.
Cold weather can significantly impact the performance of electric vehicles. Many electric vehicle batteries lose power in cold temperatures, which can be a problem for owners in colder climates. This issue has been long known by engineers, but as more people adopt electric vehicles, thousands are facing the challenge of maintaining battery power during longer trips in cold weather. The optimal temperature for batteries is 70-80°F, and they may lose power if they are too cold.
The loss of power in cold weather is a concern for electric vehicle owners in Minnesota and other cold regions. This issue could potentially slow the adoption of electric vehicles, even as emissions from transportation need to decrease to address climate change. To address this challenge, some strategies include keeping the battery at an optimal temperature and charging the vehicle at home, where the battery is less likely to be affected by cold weather.
In addition to battery performance, other factors can affect the experience of driving an electric vehicle in cold weather. For example, the cabin environment may be affected, with some vehicles losing 3-5% of their efficiency due to convective cooling of the vehicle's exterior and windows during operation. Furthermore, charging stations may be impacted by weather conditions, leading to longer wait times for drivers. Despite these challenges, electric vehicles can still be a reliable choice in cold climates with proper planning and access to charging infrastructure.
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Frequently asked questions
As of January 2023, there are over 34,000 registered electric vehicles in Minnesota, which is about 3% of all vehicles in the state.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has set a goal for 5% of light-duty vehicles registered in the state to be electric by 2025, and 65% by 2040.
The state has implemented the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which provides funding to develop convenient and affordable charging networks. The state has also seen the launch of the Evie Carshare service, which provides zero-emission transportation to the Twin Cities.
One of the main challenges is the impact of cold weather on battery range, which is a significant concern for potential EV owners. There are also concerns about the negative economic impact on the state's agriculture sector due to the loss of demand for biofuels.
