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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced grants totaling nearly $1 million to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in East Alabama, an investment derived from the state’s allocation of the national Volkswagen settlement funds.
The grants, aimed to bolster the convenience for EV motorists, will facilitate the installation of new charging stations at 44 locations, including businesses and public spaces. This development comes as the automotive sector, including Alabama-based manufacturers, transitions toward electric vehicle production.
“As the automotive industry evolves, Alabama is keeping pace by enhancing our EV charging network,” Ivey stated. “This commitment ensures Alabama remains in step with automotive trends and supports our environment and economy.”
The grants are distributed as follows:
- Smiths Station receives $621,232 for Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores to install a charging station with an additional $155,308 contributed by Love’s itself.
- Phenix City is awarded $240,596 for CatCard LLC to establish two charging stations at a local Burger King, accompanied by a $106,866 match from CatCard.
- Gadsden will get $77,818 for Ira Phillips Inc. to create three charging stations at the Venue at Coosa Landing Event Center, with the company providing $41,940 in matching funds.
These awards are part of a broader initiative by Gov. Ivey, who has previously allocated $8.2 million from state and VW settlement funds for similar projects. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering these funds, which first target interstate locations and then extend to other major travel routes across the state.
The VW settlement, resulting from a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency action over violations of the Clean Air Act, has distributed funds to various states, with Alabama investing its share into a more robust EV infrastructure.
“ADECA’s focus is to build a network that supports EV owners and benefits the state’s commerce by providing convenient charging options,” remarked ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “These stations will serve not just Alabamians but also travelers, bringing economic opportunities to our communities.”
This infrastructure push is expected to support Alabama’s growing EV market and cater to the increasing number of EVs expected on the road in the coming years.
