Madison, Wisconsin EV Charging Stations Info

Madison's EV charging landscape is shaped by a unique combination: a progressive city government, a dominant local utility with a public charging network, and a renter-majority population that makes public charging access a daily necessity. EV charging in Madison is well-distributed across downtown parking ramps, the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, and key commercial corridors. For the more than 50% of Madison residents who are renters, according to Madison Gas and Electric (MGE), EV charging in Madison means relying on public infrastructure more than drivers in most comparable cities. Whether you're visiting for a Badgers game, commuting along State Street, or considering an EV purchase in Dane County, this resource covers the networks, neighborhoods, pricing, and programs that matter most.

MGE's Public Charging Network and the Multi-Network Landscape

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) operates the city's most distinctive public charging network. MGE's public charging stations provide electricity that is 100% renewable, generated by wind farms in Wisconsin and Iowa. Level 2 charging (240V, adds 11-54 miles/hour) stations are priced at approximately $0.21 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while the DC Fast Charge station is approximately $0.37 per kWh. These prices include a $0.03 per kWh excise tax by the State of Wisconsin, effective January 1, 2025.

Members of MGE's EV Owners Group receive discounted charging at select public chargers owned and operated by MGE. This makes MGE one of the few utilities in the Midwest offering a loyalty discount on public charging.

ChargePoint is the other dominant network in Madison, operating stations across downtown parking ramps, retail centers, and the UW-Madison campus. Midwestern Wheels' deployment of ChargePoint solutions features a combination of ChargePoint AC and DC stations, giving EV drivers options to charge based on their needs. Electrify America and Tesla's NACS (North American Charging Standard, Tesla connector now industry-wide) Supercharger network round out the major options for drivers needing Level 3 charging (DC fast charging).

Network	Coverage Area	Charging Level	Typical Rate
MGE	Downtown ramps, neighborhoods, Aldo Leopold Nature Center	Level 2 + DC Fast	Approx. $0.21/kWh (L2), $0.37/kWh (DC Fast)
ChargePoint	UW campus, parking ramps, retail, airport	Level 2 + DC Fast	Varies by location
Electrify America	Highway corridors, I-90/I-94	DC Fast (CCS)	Generally $0.35–$0.48/kWh
Tesla Supercharger	Multiple city locations	DC Fast (NACS)	Varies by location

Use the ChargeHub map to check real-time availability across all networks in one place, without juggling multiple apps or accounts.

Downtown Madison and the Capitol Square Corridor

EV charging in Madison is concentrated most densely in the downtown core. The City of Madison has integrated ChargePoint and MGE stations directly into its parking ramp system. Madison Gas and Electric has provided EV charging stations in City of Madison-operated parking facilities. Each facility contains at least one ADA-compliant charging station and one station available to the general public.

Key downtown charging locations include:

• Capitol Square parking ramps — MGE-operated Level 2 stations on multiple levels, accessible to the public
• Brayton surface lot (1 S. Butler Street) — The City debuted 2 solar EV chargers at the Brayton surface public parking lot located at 1 S Butler Street.
• South Livingston Street Fast-Charging Hub — MGE's DC Fast Charging (DCFC) hub on the East Side, recently transitioned to EV Connect for payment processing.
• State Street corridor — Madison provides charging options at the University of Wisconsin campus and along major streets like State Street.

For EV charging in Madison's downtown, plan for peak demand during weekday business hours and on Badgers game days. Stations in City ramps fill quickly on event days. Check real-time availability before you arrive using the ChargeHub app.

Dane County Regional Airport and Destination Charging

Visitors arriving or departing through Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) have direct access to public charging. The Dane County Regional Airport provides passengers with EV charging options throughout its parking facilities. To use the stations, you need a ChargePoint account. The stations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Ramp area has three Level 2 charging ports on Level 2 in Row C, and the Hourly area has one Level 2 port in Row B. These offer complimentary charging. The Cell Phone Lot has one Level 3 charging port. The cost is based on rates set by MGE and can be found at the ChargePoint website.

Midwestern Wheels, a car rental company, recently added new EV charging stations to its location at the Madison airport. The company invested its own money in Level 3 charging (DC fast charging) that can fully power up an electric vehicle in a half hour. Anyone with an electric vehicle can also stop and use the Midwestern Wheels EV chargers for free.

Beyond the airport, destination charging is available at:

• Hotels near Capitol Square — Multiple Hilton, Marriott, and IHG properties offer on-site EV charging, including the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madison near the airport
• Monona Terrace Convention Center area — Downtown hotels connected to this Frank Lloyd Wright-designed venue offer charging for conference guests
• Alliant Energy Center — Hotels near this major events venue, including Home2 Suites by Hilton, offer EV charging for guests attending concerts and trade shows
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Henry Vilas Zoo — Nearby public charging supports day-trip visitors to these East and Near West Side attractions

Charging Access for Madison Renters and Apartment Residents

EV charging in Madison presents a specific challenge for renters. Since more than 50% of Madison residents are renters, more apartment buildings are adding EV charging to their amenities. Multiple area property owners and developers are installing EV charging stations to meet the needs of current residents while attracting new ones.

The city has addressed this structurally. Under a Madison City Council ordinance, at least 1% of parking spaces in new multifamily residential and certain commercial lots are required to have EV chargers, and 10% of the spaces must have wiring in place so that chargers can be easily installed. By 2041, at least 10% of spaces must have chargers and 50% must be wired.

For renters in older buildings, the Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change runs a dedicated program. Charge Up Dane County is the effort to expand affordable electric vehicle charging across the County. Charge Up is a federally-funded effort to make sure everyone in Dane County has access to affordable EV charging. The Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change advises that it still has grant funding for planning and eventually constructing EV charging stations near multi-family housing. A third and final Request for Proposals will be published in March 2026.

Priority sites for additional EV charging stations include multi-family developments near the Sauk Point shopping center and those along University Avenue.

Renters who cannot charge at their building can locate the nearest public charging station using the ChargeHub iPhone app or the ChargeHub Android app.

Wisconsin and Federal Incentives for EV Drivers in Madison

EV incentives in Wisconsin are available through federal and utility programs, but not the state government. Understanding what is and isn't available helps Madison drivers plan their EV purchase accurately.

Federal incentives (verify current eligibility before purchasing):

• New EV tax credit — You can save up to $7,500 on a new EV through the federal EV tax credit. Income and vehicle price limits apply. Confirm current eligibility with a tax professional, as program terms have changed.
• Used EV credit — Used EVs may be eligible for up to a $4,000 tax credit, or 30% of the sales price.
• Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit — Wisconsin residents may qualify for this federal tax credit worth up to $1,000 to offset costs related to installing an EV charger.

Wisconsin utility programs:

• Utilities in Wisconsin offer time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates designed to lower the cost of charging EVs. These TOU plans incentivize vehicle charging during off-peak hours, making EV ownership more affordable.
• With MGE's Time-of-Use rate, customers are charged less for electricity usage during off-peak hours (9 p.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday). With MGE's Charge Ahead program, customers can earn rewards for allowing MGE to manage their EV charging.

Wisconsin EV registration fees to know:

• In addition to standard registration fees, all-electric vehicle owners must pay an annual fee of $175. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle owners must pay an annual fee of $75.

For a full list of current utility programs in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission maintains an updated directory of EV programs by utility provider.

I-90 and I-94 Corridor Charging for Madison Travelers

EV charging in Madison connects directly to Wisconsin's two major interstate corridors. Along key highways such as I-94 and I-90, drivers can find chargers at rest areas and service plazas, ensuring easy access for long-distance travel.

Fifty-two locations have been awarded over $23.3 million in federal funds through Round 1 of the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) Program. These sites are dispersed across the state, assisting WisDOT in building out its EV Alternative Fuel Corridor system.

For drivers traveling between Madison and Milwaukee on I-94, or heading north on I-90 toward the Wisconsin Dells, DC fast charging options are available at highway-adjacent locations. CCS (Combined Charging System, standard DC fast-charging connector) and NACS connectors are the dominant standards at these corridor stations. CHAdeMO (Japanese DC fast charging standard) availability is declining as newer stations focus on CCS and NACS.

Key corridor planning tips:

• Madison to Milwaukee (I-94 East, ~77 miles) — Electrify America and ChargePoint stations are available at highway exits between the two cities
• Madison to Wisconsin Dells (I-90/I-94 North, ~55 miles) — Well within range for most EVs; DC fast charging available near the Dells
• Madison to Chicago (I-90 South, ~150 miles) — Plan at least one charging stop; Electrify America stations at Beloit and Rockford exits

Practical Tips for EV Charging in Madison

• Use ChargeHub to check real-time availability: The ChargeHub map shows live station status across ChargePoint, MGE, Electrify America, Tesla, and all other networks in one unified view. No separate accounts needed to locate or pay.
• Charge at MGE stations for 100% renewable electricity: MGE's public network runs on wind energy from Wisconsin and Iowa. Level 2 rates are generally around $0.21/kWh as of early 2026, per MGE's published rate schedule.
• Avoid the South Livingston Fast-Charging Hub without an EV Connect account: MGE recently transitioned the charging stations at the Fast-Charging Hub on South Livingston Street to EV Connect. Set up an EV Connect profile before you need a fast charge.
• Plan around Badgers game days: UW-Madison campus charging stations and downtown ramp stations fill quickly on football and basketball game days. Arrive early or use the ChargeHub app to find nearby alternatives.
• Take advantage of complimentary airport charging: Level 2 charging in the MSN parking ramp is free. Use it during drop-off or pickup to top off your battery at no cost.
• Enroll in MGE's EV Owners Group for discounts: Members receive reduced rates at select MGE-operated public stations. This is especially valuable for Madison residents who rely on public charging regularly.
• Charge during off-peak hours when possible: Charging during off-peak hours, primarily at night, can help you save money if you enroll in MGE's Time-of-Use rate. With Time-of-Use, customers are charged less for electricity usage during off-peak hours (9 p.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday).
• Check J1772 connector compatibility: Most Level 2 public stations in Madison use the J1772 (standard North American AC charging connector). Confirm your vehicle's connector type before planning a charging stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find DC fast charging for EV charging in Madison?

DC fast charging is available at a few key locations. The MGE Fast-Charging Hub on South Livingston Street on Madison's East Side offers DC fast charging at approximately $0.37/kWh as of early 2026, per MGE's published rate schedule. The Dane County Regional Airport Cell Phone Lot has one Level 3 charging port at MGE rates. Midwestern Wheels at the Madison airport also offers free DC fast charging to the public. Electrify America and Tesla Supercharger stations are available along the I-90 and I-94 corridors near Madison. Use the ChargeHub map to locate the nearest available DC fast charging station in real time.

What does EV charging in Madison typically cost?

Rates vary by network and charger type. MGE's Level 2 stations are generally around $0.21/kWh and DC fast charging is approximately $0.37/kWh as of early 2026, per MGE's published rate schedule. These rates include Wisconsin's $0.03/kWh excise tax, effective January 1, 2025. ChargePoint station rates vary by location and operator. Nationally, Level 2 public charging generally ranges from $0.20 to $0.26/kWh, while DC fast charging typically ranges from $0.35 to $0.50/kWh. Always confirm the current rate on the ChargeHub app or at the station before plugging in, as rates are subject to change.

How do Madison renters access electric vehicle charging Madison without building chargers?

Madison renters have a few reliable options. The City of Madison's parking ramps offer MGE-operated Level 2 stations throughout downtown. The Charge Up Dane County program, a federally-funded initiative, is actively placing charging stations near multi-family housing across the county, with priority areas including University Avenue and near the Sauk Point shopping center. The MGE public charging network also covers neighborhood locations. Use the ChargeHub app to find the closest public charging station to your building.

What incentives are available for EV charging stations in Madison and new EV purchases?

Wisconsin does not offer a state-level EV purchase rebate. However, federal incentives may apply: up to $7,500 for a new qualifying EV and up to $4,000 for a used EV (income and vehicle limits apply — verify current eligibility before purchasing). MGE offers a Time-of-Use rate that reduces electricity costs during off-peak hours (9 p.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays) and a Charge Ahead rewards program. MGE's EV Owners Group provides discounted rates at select public stations. Wisconsin EV owners also pay an annual registration fee of $175 for all-electric vehicles.

Is Madison EV charging stations infrastructure sufficient for a first-time EV owner?

Madison's public charging network is well-developed for a city its size. ChargePoint and MGE together cover downtown parking ramps, the UW-Madison campus, neighborhood locations, the airport, and major retail areas. The Charge Up Dane County program is actively expanding access near multi-family housing. For trips beyond the city, I-90 and I-94 provide DC fast charging access toward Milwaukee, Chicago, and the Wisconsin Dells. The ChargeHub app consolidates all networks into one map, making it straightforward to plan charging stops whether you're commuting locally or traveling across the state.

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