Dairyland is a national leader in the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in its four-state rural service territory. Since 2018, Dairyland has supported the installation of over 150 EV chargers in rural communities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois.
“Supporting the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations aligns with Dairyland’s goal to reduce carbon emissions,” said Jeff Springer, Dairyland Manager, Innovation & Efficient Electrification. “As a critical services provider in rural areas, Dairyland is working to ensure that small towns are considered in current and future plans for charging infrastructure.”
Daily mileage driven by rural residents is often higher than urban drivers. Investment in public charging infrastructure is essential to enabling the fair and equal growth of EV ownership and access to beneficial electrification in rural areas.
Recently, Dairyland funded and assisted with installation of the first EV fast chargers at a Kwik Trip in Wisconsin (Holmen) and Minnesota (Stewartville) with two of its member cooperatives. The 180 kW fast chargers are more than three times faster than the average fast charger. Riverland Energy Cooperative serves the Holmen Kwik Trip and People’s Energy Cooperative serves the Stewartville Kwik Trip.
Dairyland is one of 31 founding members of CHARGE EV, LLC, a national EV charging network powered by electric cooperatives that supports the growing number of electric-powered cars, trucks and buses through education, awareness and charger installations.
Dairyland’s newest in-house EV investment is a Ford E-Transit cargo van, used daily for local and regional deliveries by its Publication Services team. The zero emissions vehicle has a 120 mile range that covers all daily delivery needs.
Looking for a charging station? Check out the PlugShare app to locate charging infrastructure along your route. EV chargers are located at restaurants, hotels, golf courses, convenience stores and multi-family housing sites. Dairyland’s member cooperatives serve chargers at eight sites along Interstate highways.