FAQS

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, in coordination with the Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC), the Public Service Commission (PSC), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), developed Kentucky's EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan.

The Plan is required to secure EV infrastructure funding from the 2021 federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

The plan was submitted to the Joint Office of the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and US Department of Energy (USDOE) on July 22, 2022. The latest plan update was submitted August 30, 2024, and approval is anticipated in fall 2024. This secures funding for FY 2025.

There are three different types of charging stations – Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Level 1 stations have standard outlets and are the slowest charging, Level 2 stations have “Dryer Outlets” and are slow charging and Level 3 chargers are direct current fast chargers and are the fastest charging. In order to have a 250-mile range, if using a

Level 1 charging station, your car will need to be connected for 48-72 hours, while a Level 2 station requires 10 hours and a Level 3 station needs a mere 30 minutes. Once you know the type of charging station you are working with, just plug your vehicle in and in either minutes or hours, you will be ready to hit the road!

Third-party entities will install, own, operate, and maintain the DC fast charging stations constructed with NEVI funding.  KYTC will not own, operate or maintain the DC fast charging stations. KYTC will oversee the installation of the stations and will monitor performance during the five-year life of the NEVI program. 

EV battery replacements have been costly in the past but these prices vary highly depending on the make and year of the vehicle, as well as other factors. Currently, the estimated cost of battery replacement ranges between $2,000 to $20,000. While battery costs have declined dramatically over the last 10 years, they are still somewhat more expensive than internal combustion engines (ICE).

However, it is expected that in the next few years, EVs will reach price parity with ICE vehicles. This means that they cost roughly the same for similar vehicle models and performance characteristics. There are also federal subsidies for the purchase of EVs. This lowers the cost to users.

o   Utility companies provide the power from power plants where it is generated from multiple sources.  Electricity in Kentucky is supplied by 173 individual electricity generating units at 52 power plants across the state. For additional information on where Kentucky’s energy comes from, visit Kentucky’s Energy Profile on the Energy and Environment Cabinet website.

The electric grid can support the DC fast charging stations proposed to be installed using NEVI funding to build out the Alternative Fuel Corridors in Kentucky in accordance with federal guidance. These stations will be located along Kentucky’s interstates and parkways.

The DC fast charging stations will power most EV makes and models available in the domestic market, including those with North America Charging Standard (NACS) and Combined Charging System (CCS) ports.

NEVI-funding is available for up to 80% of eligible project costs, including:

• The acquisition, installation, and network connection of EV charging stations to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability
• Proper operation and maintenance of EV charging stations
• Long-term EV charging station data sharing

Developers fund the additional 20% of the cost of installing chargers.

KYTC will not own, operate or maintain the stations. KYTC will oversee the installation of the stations and will monitor performance during the five-year life of the NEVI program. 

FHWA requires that the NEVI Program formula funds are first spent to build out the DC fast charging station network on the federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC). This includes building stations that meet the federal requirements every 50 miles along these corridors. Only after that federal requirement has been met can the NEVI Program formula funds be spent along other highways or in communities that are more than a one-mile drive from an AFC. Learn more about Phases 2 and 3 of the plan on the EV Plan page.

Each state’s infrastructure deployment plan must include strategies to serve rural and underserved communities. Kentucky is engaging in stakeholder working groups and advisory committees to find partnerships with agencies and organizations to work toward serving all communities and making the future EV landscape inclusive of all Kentuckians.

A Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) Working Group meets quarterly to discuss identify local needs, priorities and concerns in community statewide. DAC Working Group presentations and more are available on the Resources page.

Infrastructure is often an understated yet vital component to our economy and livelihood. The Infrastructure Jobs Act (IIJA) recognizes the important role it plays in everyone’s lives, including the economy, access to jobs, resiliency and sustainability. Infrastructure refers to bridges and roads, internet access, public transit investments, lead pipes, upgrades to power and much more that the IIJA is addressing, in addition to the development of DCFC charging stations. Creating the framework for an EV infrastructure network is vital to the Kentucky economy and transportation.

Kentucky is also introducing new jobs in the form of EV battery factories, which will also benefit taxpayers. Additionally, the cost of owning and maintaining an EV are considerably less than ICE-powered vehicles, particularly in terms of gas mileage and routine maintenance costs. Many people in Kentucky are already adopting EVs and this infrastructure development provides them with accessibility and reliability to travel greater distances in or through the Commonwealth.

Find additional information on the Economic Development page.