On Friday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced the state would be seeking proposals to expand the state’s electric vehicle charging network.
Beshear said the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) had issued a final Request for Proposals (RFP) on June 15 to increase the number of EV charging stations along the state’s interstates and parkways by 37. Funding for the charging network expansion sill come from federal formula funds that are part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with matching fund by private entities.
“Kentucky is the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States of America, and we are leading the industry expansion by growing jobs and building out the supply chain,” Beshear said. “This RFP and the proposals it will generate will further cement Kentucky’s status in the EV revolution by creating new infrastructure that encourages EV travel throughout the commonwealth.”
The RFP encourages private-sector entities to submit proposals. Parties selected will handle construction, ownership, operations and maintenance of the new EV charging stations across the state.
“Feedback from the industry and interested investors has been key to helping us craft a process that will help us be successful, so no time is wasted standing up fast chargers statewide,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “We’re hopeful the RFP will attract multiple proposers with proven knowledge and experience.”
The state had previously issued a draft RFP and received feedback from more than 150 commentors. Those responses were used to refine the final RFP, officials said. KYTC and its agency partners also held networking event for private sector developers interested in partnering with small, local and disadvantaged firms to participate in the build out of the state’s EV charging network.
KYTC oversees the administration of nearly $70 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funds, and overseeing the electric vehicle charging network. Candidates will be selected to receive a portion of KYTC’s allocation, on a site-by-site basis. The state hopes to fund up to 37 EV charging stations through this and future RFPs, and to begin to build the charging network on the state’s 11 interstates and eight parkways.
Charging stations must be open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and charge any electric vehicle, regardless of model. Selected firms will develop one or more sites within the network, and will be required by contract to operate and maintain the stations for five years.
The RFPs are due in August and are available on the state’s website.