Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Resecures $17.8 Million in Federal Funding for EV Charging Stations

News follows lawsuit over unlawful freeze of funds

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 26, 2025) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky has resecured $17.8 million in previously appropriated funds to build out electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and has received federal approval for the state's new EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (EVIDP). The news comes after the Governor joined a lawsuit in August challenging the Trump Administration over its unlawful decision to freeze funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which had committed more than $32 million to Kentucky.

"When Washington makes Kentucky a promise, I'm going to do everything I can to make sure they keep it," said Gov. Beshear. "Electric and hybrid vehicles are no longer the technology of the future. They're here now, and this technology is only becoming more important to our families and businesses. I am glad a portion of these funds have returned to our state so we can keep moving forward for our people, our economy and our future."

The NEVI program, overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), provides states with funding that covers up to 80% of cost to build, own and operate EV fast-charging stations. FHWA had committed about $69.5 million to Kentucky through a funding formula for federal fiscal year 2022 through 2025. More than $32 million of apportioned NEVI for previously approved projects was being held. Now, $17.8 million of that amount will return to the state.

Kentucky's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan (EVIDP)
Federal approval of Kentucky's latest EVIDP allows new funds to support Phase 2 and Phase 3 of Kentucky's EV plan, which will expand charging infrastructure along other priority corridors, in communities, and at destination sites statewide.

The plan was developed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) in cooperation with the Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) and the FHWA.

Expanding Kentucky's EV Charging Network
Kentucky has awarded 46 fast-charging stations statewide with five stations open and three additional stations under construction. The five active stations are in Berea, Grayson, Hazard, Richmond, and Sparta. All of the awarded stations are expected to open in 2026. They represent an investment of $31.6 million in obligated NEVI federal formula funds.

"Accessible fast-charging stations across the Commonwealth will make a real difference for Kentuckians and visitors alike," said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. "We look forward to having nearly 50 NEVI funded fast charging stations up and running in the Commonwealth next year. Kentucky is leading the charge on the EV front."

Kentucky is a leader in automotive production and is the EV battery production capital of the United States, helping create thousands of high-quality jobs for Kentuckians. Kentucky touts $13.5 billion in EV-related investments in the state with the creation of nearly 10,200 full-time jobs statewide.

The 46 awarded sites are along the state's interstates and parkways. Each station must have at least four charging ports of 150 kilowatts or more, be accessible to the public 24 hours a day/seven days a week, and work with most EV models.

KYTC does not develop, own, operate or maintain the charging stations. Each developer must fund at least 20% of the construction and operational costs and is required to maintain and operate the charging station for at least five years.

Visit EVCharging.ky.gov for more information about the program.

A copy of the lawsuit the Governor joined in August is available here.