Retailers and state agencies expand US EV charging networks

Major retailers and state agencies are expanding electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging infrastructure despite shifts in federal support. Companies including Walmart, Buc-ee’s, and Circle K are developing branded charging networks on company-owned real estate to capture customer loyalty and data. This private sector movement comes as the second Trump administration paused the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, though a judicial ruling has since released some funds.

In Minnesota, the Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is investing over $41 million to expand direct current fast-charging stations. This initiative aims to place stations every 50 to 75 miles along major US and state highways to reduce range anxiety, particularly in rural areas. The project involves partnerships with private and public entities to build sites that include at least four ports with a minimum capacity of 150 kilowatts.

Nationwide, the charging landscape continues to grow. According to Paren, operators added 4,382 new charging ports across 806 stations in the second quarter of 2026, bringing the total to nearly 78,000. While new EV sales flattened at approximately 1.2 million in 2025, the used EV market saw a 10.1% year-over-year increase in July, driving continued demand for charging services.