Kentucky regains $17.8M for EV Charging Network expansion

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday that Kentucky has regained $17.8 million in federal funds to expand electric vehicle charging stations and received approval for its updated Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan.

The money, previously frozen under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, will support the state’s ongoing effort to build a fast-charging network. Beshear joined a lawsuit in August challenging the Trump administration’s decision to halt funding.

“When Washington makes Kentucky a promise, I’m going to do everything I can to make sure they keep it,” Beshear said. “Electric and hybrid vehicles are no longer the technology of the future. They’re here now.”

Federal approval of Kentucky’s plan clears the way for Phase 2 and Phase 3 projects to add charging stations along highways, in communities and at destinations statewide.

So far, Kentucky has awarded 46 fast-charging stations, with five already open in Berea, Grayson, Hazard, Richmond and Sparta. Three more are under construction, and all are expected to open in 2026. The projects represent $31.6 million in federal investment, with developers covering at least 20% of costs and agreeing to maintain sites for five years.

Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said the network will make EV travel “accessible and practical” across the state.

Kentucky touts $13.5 billion in EV-related investments and nearly 10,200 full-time jobs tied to the industry. Officials say the state is both a national leader in automotive production and the “EV battery production capital” of the United States.

More details are available at EVCharging.ky.gov.