Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that drivers now have two more options to charge up at thanks to new fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) stations in Elizabethtown and Shepherdsville through Team Kentucky’s EV Charging Program.
“Electric vehicles are here to stay,” said Gov. Beshear. “That’s why we’re quickly expanding our charging network to make sure no family or business in Kentucky has to worry about where their next charge is coming from.”
Two stations developed by Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores are part of the federally funded National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). Fourteen sites are open and 14 are under construction statewide. The EV Charging Program is expanding the network of EV chargers across the state and recently issued a fourth call for proposals to fund additional fast-charging sites in urban and rural areas.
The Elizabethtown site is located at 601 Ring Road off the Wendell H. Ford Western Kentucky Parkway at Exit 133. The Shepherdsville site serves travelers on I-65 and is located at 1090 Cedar Grove Road off Exit 116. Love’s was awarded $650,000 in federal funds for each location through the EV Charging Program. Both sites offer four ports capable of charging at up to 400 kilowatts each.
Last fall, Kentucky resecured $17.8 million in previously appropriated funds to build out EV charging stations after the Governor joined a lawsuit challenging the federal government over its unlawful decision to freeze funding for the NEVI program.
“Expanding our Level 3 charging network in Shepherdsville and Elizabethtown reflects our commitment to meeting the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure while delivering the reliable, convenient experience customers expect at Love’s,” said Kim Okafor, director of strategic growth for Love’s. “The EV chargers are paired with clean, well-lit facilities, fresh food offerings and comfortable amenities that give drivers a place to recharge both their vehicles and themselves. As Kentucky continues to advance transportation electrification and invest in future-ready infrastructure, Love’s is proud to support that progress by building a network that makes EV travel more accessible and practical across the state.”
Kentucky’s EV Charging Network
NEVI funds totaling $55 million have been obligated for fast-charging stations in Kentucky.
“We’re proudly charging ahead with more sites anticipated to open all across the state this year,” said KYTC Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “With each new site, we are truly becoming more connected as we see our charging network take shape throughout Kentucky.”
The sites are along the state’s interstates and parkways. Each station must have at least four charging ports, be accessible to the public 24 hours a day/seven days a week, and work with most EV models.
KYTC will not develop, own, operate or maintain the charging stations. Each developer must fund at least 20% of the construction and operational costs and is required to maintain the operation of the charging station for at least five years.
Visit EVCharging.ky.gov for more information about the program.