Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday that Kentucky has issued a new request for proposals (RFP) aimed at expanding the state’s electric vehicle charging network into more urban and rural communities.
The proposal process is part of Kentucky’s EV Charging Program, which has already helped establish 12 fast-charging stations statewide, with 16 additional sites currently under construction.
Responses to the RFP will be accepted through July 13, with selected projects expected to be announced later this summer.
The latest round of funding shifts focus beyond interstate and parkway corridors, targeting communities and travel routes that currently lack fast-charging infrastructure.
Eligible locations include portions of U.S. 23, U.S. 68, U.S. 25E, U.S. 27, U.S. 127, the AA Highway, KY 80, U.S. 51 and U.S. 60, along with urban areas including Ashland, Covington, Lexington, Elizabethtown, Owensboro and Henderson.
Kentucky is expected to receive nearly $70 million through the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To date, $55 million has been committed to fast-charging projects across the commonwealth.
Each charging station funded through the program must include at least four charging ports and be available to the public around the clock. Private developers selected for the projects will be responsible for designing, building, operating and maintaining the stations, while contributing at least 20% of project costs and committing to operate the sites for a minimum of five years.
More information about the program is available at EVCharging.ky.gov.
Furthermore, Beshear recently announced that a new electric vehicle fast-charging station is now open in Central City as part of Team Kentucky’s statewide EV Charging Program.
The station was built through the federally funded National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program and operated by Francis Energy. State officials say the addition is part of a broader effort to expand Kentucky’s EV charging network and reduce concerns about charging availability for travelers and residents.
The Central City charging station is located at Casey’s on South Second Street near Exit 58 of the Western Kentucky Parkway and includes four fast-charging ports capable of charging up to 400 kilowatts.
The Central City project received more than $830,000 in funding.
Gov. Beshear said Kentucky is continuing to expand its charging infrastructure to support families, businesses, and travelers across the commonwealth.
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, about $55 million in NEVI funding has now been obligated for fast-charging stations across Kentucky. Officials say dozens of sites are already open or under construction statewide.
