Governor Beshear Announces New EV Fast Charging Site Open in Paducah

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Naitore Djigbenou 502.782.4829 Naitore.Djigbenou@ky.gov Allen Blair 606.748.3716 Allen.Blair@ky.gov Gov Beshear: Western Kentucky is Home to Kentucky's Latest EV Fast Charging Site Fast charging is now available at the Pilot Travel Center in Paducah FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 13, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Western

Kentucky drivers are now able to plug in at the Pilot Travel Center in Paducah, which is the latest fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) station to receive funds thanks to Team Kentucky's EV Charging Program. "Team Kentucky is making sure families and businesses have the reliable charging network needed for today's world," said Gov. Andy Beshear. "We now have open sites in all corners of the state, with more stations expected to open this year" The Pilot location is the ninth station to open in Kentucky as part of the federally funded National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). Sites are also open in Berea, Campton, Glasgow, Grayson, Hazard, Morehead, Richmond and Sparta. The EV Charging Program aims to expand the network of EV chargers across the state. Last fall, Kentucky resecured $17.8 million in previously appropriated funds to build out EV charging stations after the Governor joined a lawsuit challenging the federal government over its unlawful decision to freeze funding for the NEVI program. The Pilot Travel Center is located at 5353 Cairo Road, just off Interstate 24 at Exit 3. It has four ports capable of charging at up to 400 kilowatts each. The Paducah site was approved in December 2024 and awarded $405,000 through the EV Charging Program. "At Pilot, we're focused on giving EV travelers a first-class experience that makes the most of their miles," said Brandon Trama, head of vehicle electrification and infrastructure at Pilot. "By

expanding our EV charging network to places like Paducah, we're pairing fast, reliable charging with convenient amenities along major routes to enable coast-to-coast EV travel."

Kentucky's EV Charging Network

NEVI funds totaling $55 million have been obligated for fast-charging stations in Kentucky. "Every site we open is a step toward easing range anxiety for EV drivers who live in Kentucky and those who are visiting our state," said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. "As Kentucky leads the charge on this important front, our statewide network of fast chargers is continuing to grow." The 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 will 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 the operation of the charging station for at least five years. Visit EVCharging.ky.gov for more information about the program. ###

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