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First NEVI-Funded EV Charging Station Opens in Kentucky

Sept. 17, 2024

Ribbon cutting
Photo from Kentucky Department of Transportation

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) is thrilled to announce the opening of the first electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Kentucky funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The station, conveniently located at a centralized Circle K in Richmond, will help the Bluegrass State become a leader in building out reliable EV charging infrastructure and stay on track with its ambitious goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Kentucky has shown its commitment to a future in which everyone can choose to ride or drive electric with plans for an additional 38 fast charging stations along 11 Interstate Highways and eight parkways. The first station currently features the Combined Charging System (CCS1) connector; the SAE J3400 (North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector will be added later this year to ensure all types of current and future EV makes and models can use the station as needed. These NEVI stations complement existing charging and private investment in the growing charging network.

“The number of registered EVs in Kentucky continues to grow, and we want to ensure current and future owners have a reliable network of charging stations to support long-distance EV travel,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray.

"The Bluegrass State is galloping toward a greener future with the official opening of Kentucky's first NEVI-funded EV charging station today," said Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. "This station helps fill gaps in our national network of 193,000 chargers, which has doubled since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration and increases the ratio of chargers to EVs so more drivers can count on getting a charge wherever they go."

The Joint Office is working with all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico to ensure the success of the NEVI program, which is now bringing the Biden administration’s vision of a clean energy future to fruition. NEVI is a concerted effort to ensure the EV future of tomorrow is thoughtfully planned, efficiently built, and meets the needs of all Americans, regardless of where they live.