Alabama Unveils Plans For 13 New EV Charging Stations

Alabama is making a major step towards its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure with the announcement of 13 new EV charging stations to be installed along major highways across the state.

Alabama’s $11.2 Million Grant

Governor Kay Ivey awarded $11.2 million in grants for this initiative, funded by the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will oversee the distribution of these grants, which are part of a larger $79 million allocation to the state from 2022 to 2027 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Having strategic electric vehicle charging stations across Alabama not only benefits EV drivers, but it also benefits those companies that produce electric vehicles, including many of them right here in Alabama, resulting in more high-paying jobs for Alabamians,” Governor Ivey stated.

In detail, the new charging stations will be strategically placed along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, ensuring that EV owners can look for a charging point every 50 miles and within one mile of the highway. Furthermore, each charging station will have at least four ports equipped with simultaneously charging four EVs at 150 kW each, with a total charging station capacity of over 600 kW.

Here are the key locations for the new charging stations according to the ADECA:

• Falkville: $768,782 awarded to Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores for the installation of two dual-port chargers at 64 East Pike Road, off Interstate 65.
• Gadsden: $331,807 awarded to Silver Comet Energy for the installation of four chargers at the RaceTrac Store, 1715 W. Grand Ave., near Interstate 59.
• Hamilton: $656,166 awarded to Love’s Travel Stop & Country Stores for the installation of two dual-port chargers at Marion County Highway 35, adjacent to Interstate 22.
• Jasper: $788,921 awarded to Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores for the installation of two dual-port chargers at 83 Carl Cannon Blvd., near Interstate 22.
• Heflin: $656,166 awarded to Love’s Travel Stop & Country Stores for the installation of two dual-port chargers at 6647 Alabama Highway 46, adjacent to Interstate 20.
• Tuscaloosa-Cottondale: $581,200 awarded to BP Products North America for the installation of three electric charging stations at Travel Centers of America Tuscaloosa, 3501 Buttermilk Road, near Interstate 20/59.
• Eutaw: $783,299 awarded to Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores for the installation of two dual-port chargers at 7561 Mesopotamia Street, adjacent to Interstate 20/59.
• Clanton: $660,909 awarded to Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores for the installation of two dual-port chargers at 300 Arby Drive, near Interstate 65.
• Montgomery: $581,200 awarded to BP Products North America for the installation of three chargers at Travel Centers of America Montgomery, 980 West South Blvd., adjacent to Interstate 65.
• Fort Deposit: $759,024 awarded to Priester Retail Stores Inc. for the installation of two dual-port chargers at 80 Bishop Bottom Road, adjacent to Interstate 65.
• Evergreen: $867,238 awarded to Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores for the installation of two dual-port chargers at 16101 U.S. Highway 84, near Interstate 65.
• Atmore: $725,864 awarded to Poarch Band of Creek Indians for the installation of two dual-port chargers at Creek Travel Plaza, 4740 Jack Springs Road, near Interstate 65.
• Irvington: $639,564 awarded to Love’s Travel Stop & Country Stores for the installation of two dual-port chargers at 8400 County Farm Road, near Interstate 10.

Read More: U.S. Initiates $1.3 Billion Funding for EV Charging Infrastructure

In addition to these charging stations, a $2.4 million grant was awarded to Bevill State Community College in Jasper to expand its HVAC Training Center. This expansion will allow the college to offer workforce training in the installation, testing, operation, and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure.

Notably, the grants will cover 80% of the project costs with the businesses providing the remaining 20%. It is also important to note that all charging stations will be ordered to be available 24 hours and provide amenities including restrooms, food and beverages, and shelter according to ADECA.

ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell expressed enthusiasm for the project stating, “Alabama continues to make progress in installing charging systems for electric vehicles along major roadways. ADECA is pleased to support Gov. Ivey’s efforts to ensure that drivers who choose electric vehicles have access to dependable charging infrastructure as they travel the state.”

With this initiative aligning with the growing trend of EV adoption and installation of EV charging stations across the U.S., this will also support Alabama’s automotive landscape while assisting the local EV market in the state. As the U.S. reached more than one third to its goal of 500,000 charging ports by 2030, this latest addition will certainly be contributing towards it.

Want to learn more about EVs? Thinking of buying an EV? Head over to EV.com and discover more.