Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has announced the first round of awards for developers to design, build, operate, and maintain a statewide network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Through federal funds, private matching funds, and a state-issued Request for Proposals, six developers have been approved for nearly $10.9 million in funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The funding will be used to construct 16 public charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.
The charging stations will each have a minimum of four chargers and will be accessible to the public at all times. The selected developers will begin the initial phases of the project, including design, environmental review, utility coordination, and equipment ordering. They will have 90 days to fulfill certain conditions before a project agreement is executed.
Kentucky’s deployment plan requires the Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations to be compatible with all non-proprietary EV models. The stations will be strategically located within a mile of designated corridors and no more than 50 miles apart. A second Request for Proposals will be issued to fill in any gaps in the charging network.
Approximately 37 DCFC stations will be needed to fully implement Kentucky’s portion of the NEVI program. The initial build-out will focus on Kentucky’s interstates and parkways that have been designated as Alternative Fuel Corridors. The selected developers will be contractually obligated to operate and maintain the stations for five years after construction, ensuring the long-term performance of the EV network.
Kentucky’s EV initiatives are supported by federal funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, totaling around $70 million, with private-entity funds providing a matching contribution.
