labama Gov. Kay Ivey continued to support the building of electric vehicle charging stations in the state by awarding nearly $1 million in grants to three locations in East Alabama in November.
Ivey awarded three grants totaling almost $1 million to three companies for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in three locations: Smiths Station, Phenic City and Gadsden.
“As the automotive industry, including manufacturers who call Alabama home, shift production toward electric vehicles, Alabama has made strides in supporting increased charging stations along our travel corridors,” Ivey said. “We will continue that progress as more vehicles, including many produced here in Alabama, are powered by electricity.”
The grants will go toward the following EV charging stations: One Smiths Station station at the Love’s Truck Stop location at 747 Lee County Road 248 Two Phenix City charging stations at the Burger King at 1820 Stadium Drive
Three Gadsden stations at the Venue at Coosa Landing Event Center at 201 George Wallace Drive
The grants come from funds remaining in Alabama’s portion of the nationwide Volkswagen settlement plan, which was made between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Volkswagen. Ivey has awarded a total of $8.2 million from state and VW settlement funds to support the installation of chargers at 44 locations across the state.
Ivey has awarded $621,232 to Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores to install the charging station in Smiths Station, with Love’s providing a $155,308 match. CatCard LLC is receiving a $240,596 grant to install the two stations in Phenix City, and the company will be providing a $106,866 match. Ira Phillips Inc. will receive $77,818 to install the three stations in Gadsden while supplying a $41,940 match.
“Having plentiful and conveniently located electric vehicle charging stations ensures that those who choose to own electric vehicles will know they have places to recharge their vehicles,” Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Director Kenneth Boswell said.
“It also creates benefits in commerce by giving EV owners who are traveling longer distances a place to recharge their vehicles and grab a bite to eat or explore a community while traveling.” According to an ADECA news release, charging stations can range from fast to medium charging times along with some being able to charge several vehicles simultaneously, resulting in the varying costs of the stations.
Source: Columbus Hospice
