Gov. Andy Beshear has announced a request for proposals to further expand Kentucky’s network of fast-charging stations to support reliable, long-distance travel for electric vehicle drivers across the commonwealth.
Responses to the RFP are due July 13, and selections are anticipated late this summer.
“Electric vehicles are no longer the technology of the future, they’re here now,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’re excited by the progress we’re making to expand our charging network, and we will keep working until Kentucky has the network required to meet the needs of the families that rely on our roads each day.”
This is the fourth RFP under the state’s EV Charging Program, which has supported the opening of 12 fast-charging sites to date. In total, Kentucky is expected to receive nearly $70 million in federal funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program established through the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
Previous proposals focused on Kentucky’s Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) along its interstates and parkways, where the current 12 open sites and the 16 under construction are located. This latest proposal seeks private developers who will design, build, operate, and maintain the stations in other urban and rural areas not already served by those stations, helping ensure EV infrastructure reaches communities across the commonwealth.
This includes rural portions of counties, some parkways such as the Bluegrass Parkway, as well as routes connecting interstates and parkways: U.S. 23, U.S. 68, U.S. 25E, U.S. 27 and U.S. 127, AA Highway in central and eastern Kentucky; U.S. 68, KY 80, U.S. 51 and U.S. 60 in western Kentucky; and urban areas such as Ashland, Covington, Lexington, Elizabethtown, Owensboro and Henderson.
Each station must have at least four charging ports and be accessible to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To obtain the RFP and learn more about the EV Charging Program visit EVCharging.ky.gov.
Kentucky’s EV Charging Network
NEVI funds totaling $55 million have been obligated for fast-charging stations in Kentucky.
“Reaching a milestone of twelve open sites was a big step to ease range anxiety for EV drivers who live in Kentucky and those who are visiting our state,” said Secretary Goodman. “Additional fast-charging stations statewide will make a real difference for Kentuckians and those visiting the Commonwealth.”
The existing sites are along the state’s interstates and parkways.
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.
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