Electric Cars

Wisconsin is embarking on a substantial expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, allocating $25 million in federal funding to establish 42 new DC fast-charging stations. This strategic initiative aims to extend the state's charging network beyond its primary interstates, reaching numerous US and state highways. The development is poised to significantly enhance accessibility for EV owners across 42 diverse communities, from popular tourist destinations to smaller towns, facilitating the broader adoption of electric transportation.

The newly funded stations will be strategically located at a variety of establishments, including gas stations, hotels, grocery stores, and restaurants. This placement ensures that drivers can conveniently charge their vehicles while attending to other errands, dining, or resting. Adhering to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program’s requirements, a federal initiative stemming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, each station will be equipped with a minimum of four CCS ports, each capable of delivering 150 kW concurrently. This commitment guarantees a substantial increase, adding at least 168 fast-charging ports throughout Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has confirmed that the new chargers will incorporate models from leading manufacturers such as Autel, Gilbarco, and Tesla. While the exact number of locations offering NACS connectors is yet to be disclosed, the current online chargers predominantly feature NACS connectors, suggesting a strong likelihood of their inclusion in the new installations. The comprehensive list of sites includes multiple Kwik Trip locations, hotels in key areas, and a Woodman’s grocery store in Madison, among others, with a full interactive map available on WisDOT’s official website.

Having fulfilled the NEVI mandate for charging stations to be spaced no more than 50 miles apart along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, Wisconsin now possesses greater flexibility in utilizing federal funds. This allows for investment in secondary routes that were previously ineligible for the first two funding rounds. The latest awards are specifically targeting high-traffic arteries, including US 10, US 12, US 18, US 45, US 61, and US 63, alongside 12 state highways, ensuring a more comprehensive coverage. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman highlighted the thoughtful planning behind the EV charging network, emphasizing its dual benefits for EV drivers and local communities by providing fast charging at convenient locations.

To date, WisDOT has allocated $62.1 million in NEVI funding across 120 charging locations. These federal grants can cover up to 80% of eligible project costs, with recipients responsible for a minimum 20% match. Currently, 26 of Wisconsin’s previously awarded NEVI stations are operational and experiencing robust usage, though specific utilization statistics have not been released. The implementation of these awards follows a legal challenge against an attempt by the Trump administration to freeze NEVI funding, a move successfully blocked by a federal judge in June 2025 after Wisconsin joined a multistate lawsuit. Governor Tony Evers underscored the critical importance of expanding EV charging infrastructure amidst rising fuel prices, noting its role in helping families reduce transportation costs. With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law nearing its expiration in September, Governor Evers has urged Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to approve legislation that would ensure continued funding for vital infrastructure, including EV charging. This ongoing commitment is essential for advancing sustainable transportation and supporting economic growth throughout the state.

Unraveling the Enigma: A Startup's Ambition and Demise

The Genesis of a Failed Electric Dream: Mullen's Brief Foray into EVs

Many may be unfamiliar with the Mullen Five, an electric concept car unveiled by an American startup a few years ago with the bold ambition of challenging Tesla's dominance. However, this vision never materialized into a production vehicle. Evidence suggests that the development never progressed beyond the conceptual stage, lacking functional batteries, motors, or even fully roadworthy chassis. Despite the company's collapse, a rare opportunity has emerged: one of these elusive concept cars is now listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

A Tumultuous Journey: The Rise and Fall of Mullen Automotive

Mullen's history is a brief yet eventful one. The American automaker initially aimed to rebadge Chinese electric vehicles and went public in 2020, only to see its share price plummet the following year. The company acquired a manufacturing facility in Mississippi but never commenced production there. Early plans for an electric crossover, the MX-05, intended to rival the Model Y, were eventually rebranded simply as the "Five." In 2022, facing shareholder lawsuits, Mullen paid out $7.25 million. Subsequently, it acquired a controlling stake in Bollinger Motors, later renaming it Bollinger Innovations, before ultimately dissolving Bollinger Motors in 2025 and entering receivership in 2026. In essence, Mullen Automotive no longer exists.

The Legacy of the Five: A Concept Car's Limited Reality

The Mullen Five was slated for a 2024 launch, with an ultra-fast Mullen Five RS variant also announced. What remains of these ambitious plans is this singular concept car, which barely qualifies as a functional automobile. While a video in the Marketplace listing shows it moving, its roadworthiness is questionable; it may simply be a rolling display shell for auto shows.

Under the Hood: A Glimpse at the Concept's Components

Currently, the concept car's top speed is a mere 15 mph, powered by five series-connected lead-acid 12-volt batteries. Curiously, it features a Brembo brake kit, reportedly designed for a BMW M2, though this is difficult to verify from online photos. It is also described as having coilover suspension, although the specific type is unspecified, and it rides on 23-inch wheels.

The Interior: A Touch of Production-Ready Design

The vehicle boasts a complete interior that appears to be near production quality, exhibiting an appealing aesthetic. This suggests that with a proper electric powertrain, rather than just 12-volt batteries, it could transform into a unique and engaging project car. Examining the battery compartment, it's uncertain what type of motor could fit or whether the structure is truly capable of supporting a roadworthy system. Given Mullen's original strategy of rebadging Chinese EVs, it's plausible that the underlying structure is a legitimate car chassis, albeit lacking its intended propulsion system.

A Peculiar Investment: The Value Proposition of a Defunct Concept

The question arises: is spending $8,000 on this concept car from a failed startup for an EV powertrain conversion a sound investment? Many other intriguing vehicles are available at lower costs for similar project endeavors. However, owning this Mullen Five might offer an unparalleled sense of exclusivity, as it could be one of the few, if not the only, remaining examples on the road, possessing something even the world's wealthiest individuals do no