ChargePoint, a leading electric vehicle (EV) charger company, is expanding its public charging network by adding stations to rental car locations in Wisconsin. This expansion aims to increase access to public EV charging across the state, particularly in areas where demand outpaces available charging infrastructure. By partnering with Midwestern Wheels, a licensee of Avis Budget Group, ChargePoint is installing a mix of Level 2 and Level 3 fast chargers at various locations in Appleton and Madison.
These chargers are open to the public, enabling EV drivers to charge their vehicles even if they're not renting a car. The move addresses the growing need for public charging coverage in Wisconsin, where EV registrations have seen significant growth since 2013. According to Wisconsin Clean Cities, the state's EV registrations have increased by more than 50% per year on average during this period.
However, public charging coverage still lags behind demand, particularly outside major metropolitan areas. Midwestern Wheels is utilizing ChargePoint's Omni Port chargers at several locations, which offer a practical solution for mixed-use sites like rental car lots. The stations feature both Level 2 and DC fast charging, providing drivers with options depending on their charging needs.
By opening these chargers to the public, Midwestern Wheels aims to improve utilization beyond its rental fleet, which often faces challenges when installing chargers at fleet-focused locations. ChargePoint's new platform allows operators to remotely monitor performance and spot issues early, ensuring reliable operation for both rental customers and the general public. Drivers can find the Midwestern Wheels charging locations through the ChargePoint mobile app.
This expansion is a significant step towards increasing public EV charging access in Wisconsin, aligning with the state's growing EV adoption trend.
This expansion by ChargePoint demonstrates the company's commitment to expanding public EV charging infrastructure in key markets. By partnering with Midwestern Wheels, ChargePoint is addressing the growing need for public charging coverage in Wisconsin, which is essential for supporting the state's increasing EV adoption rate.
