The Solar Truck Stop That Will Keep Lights On During Storms

Most people think of electric vehicle charging stations as convenience features, akin to a free coffee machine or a clean restroom. In Prentice, Wisconsin, the new hub being built by Price Electric Company is something far more critical. It is a survival tool. The facility, located at the intersection of Highway 8 and 13, will not only charge your car quickly but also keep the lights on, the gas pumps running, and the restaurant open when the rest of the region goes dark.

This is a rare setup for a rural American town. The project breaks ground now, with completion expected in the summer of 2027, and it represents a shift in how we view public infrastructure. It is not just about serving the millions of Americans who now drive electric vehicles. It is about ensuring that a community in the upper Midwest can function independently of the fragile regional power grid during severe weather events.

Solving the Rural Charging Gap

The reality on the road in northern Wisconsin is stark. If you drive an electric vehicle up from Chicago or the Twin Cities, you quickly discover that fast chargers are nearly nonexistent. Jeff Olson, the CEO of Price Electric, noted that drivers are currently forced to plug into 120 volt outlets. For a modern EV, that process can take days. It is a logistical nightmare that keeps many potential visitors away from the region's outdoor recreation spots.

The new hub addresses this directly. It will feature chargers that are significantly faster than the average standalone unit found in rural areas. This is vital because Price County sits on a major travel corridor. Olson emphasized that recreation is a huge part of the local industry. By making it easy and quick to charge, the facility removes the biggest barrier to entry for tourists who want to explore the area without worrying about their battery range.

For drivers coming from urban centers, the lack of reliable charging infrastructure has been a significant deterrent. The new facility changes the dynamic by offering high speed capabilities that rival urban stations. This ensures that the journey to remote natural areas is no longer a test of endurance for the vehicle's battery. The speed of the chargers means that a short stop is enough to replenish the energy needed for the next leg of the trip.

Powering the Grid with the Sun

The energy source for this hub is just as innovative as the purpose. Solar panels will be installed across the roof of the facility. This setup helps lower the operational electricity costs for the chargers, making the project more sustainable over time. The initiative was made possible through a federal Department of Energy grant, signaling a national push to integrate renewable energy into transportation infrastructure.

But the solar array is not just for efficiency. It is the first layer of a microgrid system. By generating its own power, the site reduces its dependence on the main utility grid. This independence is a key feature of the design, allowing the facility to operate even when external power lines are down or damaged by storms.

The integration of solar technology also serves as a practical demonstration of renewable energy in a rural context. By capturing sunlight to power the charging stalls, the hub reduces its carbon footprint while simultaneously lowering the long term cost of electricity. This dual benefit makes the project economically viable and environmentally responsible, setting a standard for other rural facilities to follow.

A Microgrid for Community Resilience

The most compelling aspect of the Prentice Travel Center is its role as a community backup. The entire travel center, including the gas pumps, diesel pumps, and the on site restaurant, will be connected to a one megawatt battery storage device. This battery acts as a massive reserve of energy. When a major storm hits and the regional grid fails, this hub can keep running. It becomes a lifeline for locals and travelers alike.

Olson described the benefit clearly. During a major storm, the facility will be powered up while the rest of the area struggles to restore service. This is not just a perk for EV drivers. It is a critical safety net for the community. In a region prone to severe weather, having a reliable source of power and fuel that is immune to grid outages is a significant strategic advantage.

The presence of such a robust backup system changes the perception of the travel center from a simple rest stop to a vital community resource. It ensures that essential services remain available during critical times. This reliability provides peace of mind to residents and visitors, knowing that the facility can sustain operations even when the broader infrastructure is compromised by extreme weather conditions.

Strategic Location for Federal Programs

The placement of this hub is not accidental. It aligns perfectly with the National EV Infrastructure federal program, known as NEVI. This program has strict rules, including a ban on installing new chargers within 50 miles of existing funded locations. The intersection of Highway 8 and 13 falls into a gap that this program specifically targets. This ensures that the investment fills a real void rather than duplicating existing coverage.

Price Electric Company, which has served Price County since 1940, partnered with Dairyland Power Cooperative to execute this vision. Their long standing relationship with the community gives them the local knowledge needed to identify where such infrastructure is most needed. The project stands as a model for how rural utilities can adapt to the changing energy landscape while serving their customers.

The strategic alignment with federal guidelines ensures that the project maximizes its impact on the regional network. By targeting a specific gap in the infrastructure map, the hub serves a unique and necessary role. This approach prevents redundancy and ensures that public funds are used efficiently to expand access to electric vehicle charging in underserved areas.