FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., has paved the way for more EV charging stations across the state.

What You Need To Know

  • More EV charging stations are planned for Kentucky

  • Gov. Andy Beshear approved another round of funding which will allow more developers to create the stations

  • Kentucky needs to build approximately 37 EV stations to fulfill its portion of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. 

  • Kentucky is approved for 24 stations from seven developers

A second round of funding will allow five developers to build eight public charging stations along three interstates and parkways, which have been designated as Alternative Fuel Corridor groups. The five developers have qualified collectively for over $4.5 million in construction funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

The chargers will be built in Berea, Calvert City, Grayson, London, Louisville, Richmond and Winchester.

“We are already the EV battery production capital of the United States,” said Gov. Beshear, who has announced 21 EV battery-related economic development projects during his administration. “To make sure Kentucky keeps leading the way in the EV boom, we’re building out our EV infrastructure so our families can charge up as they travel our great state.”

This latest announcement means Beshear has approved 24 charging stations from seven developers along 16 different corridors. Each station must have at least four charging ports of 150 kW each and be accessible all the time.

The EV charging program is a joint initiative of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Public Service Commission and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Kentucky needs to build approximately 37 EV stations to fulfill its portion of the NEVI program. The initial build is required by federal law.

The seven developers have been given subsidies totalling $15.4 million. Each developer is required to bear at least 20% of the project cost. Each developer will work closely with KYTC to begin preconstruction work (design, utility coordination, environmental review and ordering equipment). Once that is done, construction will start and will take about 12-18 months to finish.

The developers will be required to operate and maintain the stations they build for five years after construction is done. According to the governor’s office, this will promote long-term performance of the EV network.

Related Stories