Swansenreport

The accompanying photo is from the Kwik-Trip at the west end of Ashland, Wisconsin.  

While I’m not in Ashland on a daily basis, I’ve only seen one instance since their installation, where these chargers have been in use. 

The state has been allocated $78 million to install 53 EV charging stations, with the first three operational as of December 2024 at Kwik Trip locations in Ashland, Menomonie, and Chippewa Falls. These stations feature DC fast chargers with at least four ports delivering a minimum of 150 kW each,

Wisconsin’s EV Infrastructure Plans: Wisconsin is actively expanding its EV charging network through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) plan.

Likelihood of MCS in Wisconsin: Given Wisconsin’s commitment to EV infrastructure and its role in freight transport, it is reasonable to expect MCS installations within the next five years, particularly along major corridors like I-94 (connecting Milwaukee to Chicago) or at logistics hubs near Madison or Green Bay. However, the state’s current NEVI and WEVI projects prioritize CCS-based DC fast chargers (150–350 kW), which are insufficient for most semi-truck needs. MCS adoption would require additional investment in grid upgrades, high-power equipment, and coordination with utilities, which may not yet be planned or publicized.

Challenges: MCS deployment faces hurdles like grid capacity, regulatory standardization, and high installation costs. A study on MCS charging along the M4 motorway in South Wales highlighted grid asset limitations, suggesting similar challenges could apply in Wisconsin, where rural grid infrastructure may struggle to support 1–3 MW chargers. Additionally, the heavy MCS connector (over 10 kg) poses ergonomic challenges, requiring automated or assisted systems, which could delay widespread rollout.

Potential Timeline: Based on industry projections, MCS chargers at 700 kW could be commercially available in 2026–2027, with 1 MW+ systems by 2027–2028. Wisconsin’s NEVI projects are set to complete by mid-2026, and subsequent phases (e.g., WEVI Round 2) could incorporate MCS if federal or state policies prioritize heavy-duty EVs. Pilot projects, like those by ChargePoint or ABB, might emerge in Wisconsin by 2027, especially if truck manufacturers increase MCS-compatible vehicle production.