Adam RollinsKentucky has announced the first round of awards granted to six private developers to design, build and manage 16 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along 11 interstates and parkways designated as Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC).
A combination of federal funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, totaling approximately $70 million, private matching contributions, and a state-issued Request for Proposals (RFP) facilitated the selection of these six qualified developers, who will receive nearly $10.9 million in funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
Key requirements for these charging stations include a minimum of four chargers at each location and round-the-clock accessibility to the public. Furthermore, the developers now have the opportunity to initiate the project’s initial phases, which encompass design, utility coordination, environmental assessments and equipment procurement.
Kentucky’s deployment plan stipulates that Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations should also accommodate any non-proprietary EV model. These stations must also be strategically positioned—no more than a mile from a designated corridor and no farther than 50 miles apart. To achieve this, a second RFP will be issued later this year to address any gaps in the network.
In total, an estimated 37 DCFC stations will be required to fulfill Kentucky’s segment of the NEVI program. Developers selected to create and maintain these charging sites within the statewide network will be obligated, under contract, to ensure the operation and maintenance of the stations for a minimum of five years post-construction. The state’s commitment to EV charging underscores Kentucky’s position as a hub for EV battery production in the US.
