FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday a request for proposals to further expand Kentucky’s network of electric vehicle charging stations.

According to Beshear’s office, the expansion aims to support reliable, long-distance travel for EVs across the commonwealth.

“Electric vehicles are no longer the technology of the future, they’re here now,” said Beshear. “We’re excited by the progress we’re making to expand our charging network, and we will keep working until Kentucky has the network required to meet the needs of the families that rely on our roads each day.”

National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funds totaling $55 million have been obligated for fast-charging stations in Kentucky, with Beshear’s office expecting nearly $70 million in total.

According to Beshear’s office, this is the fourth request for proposals under the state’s EV Charging Program, which has supported the opening of 12 fast-charging sites to date.

While previous proposals focused on Kentucky’s Alternative Fuel Corridors along interstates and parkways, Beshear’s office said that the current proposal seeks private developers who will design, build, operate and maintain stations in other urban and rural areas not already served by the existing stations.

This includes rural portions of counties, some parkways such as the Bluegrass Parkway, as well as routes connecting interstates and parkways: U.S. 23, U.S. 68, U.S. 25E, U.S. 27 and U.S. 127, AA Highway in central and eastern Kentucky; U.S. 68, KY 80, U.S. 51 and U.S. 60 in western Kentucky; and urban areas such as Ashland, Covington, Lexington, Elizabethtown, Owensboro and Henderson.

Each developer must fund at least 20% of the construction and operational costs, Beshear’s office said. Developers are also required to maintain the charging station’s operation for at least five years. Each station must have at least four charging ports and be accessible to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Beshear’s office said.

To obtain the RFP and learn more about the EV Charging Program, click here. Responses are due by July 13, with selections anticipated in the late summer.