New EV charging points available in east Alabama

SMITHS STATION, Ala. (WRBL) — Four new electric vehicle charging stations were added to the Love’s Travel Stop in Smith’s Station.

Local officials and Love’s representatives gathered on Wednesday for the ribbon cutting.

Jennifer Lee, the Energy Division Chief at the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), says the implementation of these new charging points is part of a competitive Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program administered by ADECA.

Grant funding from the program covers up to 80% of a station’s construction costs.

Love’s applied for the grant and was awarded $621,232 in 2023. ADECA officials say Love’s contributed $309,673 in matching funds, making the total project cost $930,905.

Lee adds that the installation of the new charging stations is expected “to provide safe, public, and well-lit locations” for those traveling along US 280 between Interstate 85 and Columbus, Georgia.

Lee also emphasized that all of the new chargers are compatible with any electric vehicle brand.  

“The number of EVs on the road continues to grow, and that’s why the number of public chargers is increasing throughout the state,” says Kenneth Boswell, the ADECA Director. “Not only is it good for EV owners to have a convenient place to charge, it’s also good for local communities because those owners eat at local restaurants, shop at local businesses, and contribute to the area’s economic prosperity while their vehicles are charging.”

ADECA says 50 EV charging station locations across Alabama have received their EV Infrastructure Program grant.