At 601 Ring Road in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, a sleek row of four 400 kW charging ports hums to life, ready to power the next wave of electric vehicles passing through the state. Just 30 miles north, another identical station has opened in Shepherdsville—two new anchors in Kentucky’s rapidly expanding EV charging network. These stations, each equipped with four ultra-fast 400 kW ports, were developed by Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores and mark a tangible step forward in making long-distance electric travel practical across the Commonwealth.
For Governor Andy Beshear, the openings are more than infrastructure—they’re a promise. "Electric vehicles are here to stay. That’s why we’re quickly expanding our charging network to make sure no family or business in Kentucky has to worry about where their next charge is coming from," he said. With EV adoption rising nationwide, reliable fast-charging access is no longer a luxury but a necessity, especially for rural and interstate travelers. Many electric vehicles can handle daily commutes, but anxiety over long-haul range has remained a barrier. These new stations can charge a car from 10% to 80% in as little as 35 minutes, effectively turning a pit stop into a seamless part of the journey.
Located near key highway exits—Elizabethtown at Exit 133 off the Wendell H. Ford Western Kentucky Parkway and Shepherdsville at Exit 116 from I-65—the stations are strategically placed to serve both local drivers and cross-state travelers. Beyond just charging, Love’s has ensured each site includes clean, well-lit facilities, fresh food options, and comfortable spaces where drivers can rest. "We’re building a network that makes EV travel more accessible and practical across the state," said Kim Okafor, director of strategic growth for Love’s. The company’s involvement signals a growing partnership between public goals and private investment in sustainable infrastructure.
This rollout is part of a broader push: 14 additional public EV charging stations are currently under construction across Kentucky, funded through the Team Kentucky EV Charging program. When complete, the network will span the state, connecting urban centers with rural communities and closing critical gaps in the national EV corridor. For Kentuckians and travelers alike, the message is clear—electric mobility is not just arriving, it’s being built into the fabric of everyday life.
As more drivers choose electric, the availability of fast, reliable charging will continue to shape the future of transportation. With every new station, Kentucky inches closer to a cleaner, more connected road ahead.