Beech Tree News Network

West Kentucky Parkway connects to regional Fast Charge Network

Beaver Dam, KY – As automakers retool their factories to prepare for the age of transportation electrification, electric vehicles (EV) are poised to become more prevalent in the next two decades. To make sure we are ready, Warren RECC is removing one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in the U.S. – charging infrastructure.

Yesterday, Warren RECC announced at a ribbon-cutting ceremony the installation of two EV fast chargers at the West Kentucky Parkway Huck’s in Ohio County through a partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Hucks and Seven States Power Corporation. This installation is part of the regional Fast Charge Network that will cover major travel corridors across TVA’s seven-state service area and will complement the broader efforts of the National Electric Highway Coalition, which seeks to enable long-distance EV travel by placing fast chargers along interstates and major highways throughout the United States.

“We are excited about this installation, and we appreciate TVA’s partnership. The West Kentucky Parkway is an important link between the widely travelled I-65 and I-69 interstates. This installation provides a charging option between these two important national interstates. EV travelers now have better access to final destinations throughout the United States, including major destinations in the Midwest and southern United States,” said Dewayne McDonald, President and CEO of Warren RECC. 

TVA is working together with local power companies, and others to pave the way for well over 200,000 EVs on Tennessee Valley roads by 2028. The benefits that EVs bring to the Tennessee Valley region are significant:

Attracting good jobs -- $13.8 billion in EV and battery manufacturing have helped create over 10,000 EV-related jobs.

Reducing carbon emissions from gasoline vehicles by almost 1 million metric tons per year or the equivalent of the carbon sequestered by 1 million acres of US forests in one year.

Reinvesting $120 million in the local economy every year from electric refueling by 2028.

Saving drivers up to $1,000 in fuel and maintenance costs every year.

“At TVA we’ve moved far beyond connecting communities with power lines,” said Cindy Herron, vice president of TVA EnergyRight®. “Today, EVs use our clean, low-cost, reliable electricity to connect drivers and commerce across our region. Taking a leadership role in EV charging infrastructure allows TVA to save drivers money and attract good jobs and tourism– all powered by electricity from TVA and Warren RECC.”

“This charging location does more than charge cars -- it connects our region to the Fast Charge Network and plays an important role in putting us on the leading edge of the new electric economy,” said Dewayne McDonald, President and CEO of Warren RECC.  

To learn more about the Fast Charge Network, calculate how much money an EV could save you or locate EV charging stations on your travel route, check out  https://energyright.com/ev/.