Circle K, ABB E-Mobility Begin Construction of First NEVI-Funded Site in Southeast
Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky, along with Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt, heralded a new era for electric vehicle infrastructure in the Southeastern United States with the commencement of construction on the region’s first National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) charging station. Situated at a strategic Circle K location in Richmond, Kentucky, this charging site is positioned along the bustling Interstate 75, serving as a hub for EV travelers. It will feature ABB E-mobility’s Terra 184 chargers. These chargers are notable not only for their adherence to the rigorous’ Build America, Buy America’ (BABA) requirements but also for meeting NEVI’s technical standards and being ‘NACS-ready’.
“This is exciting news, especially that the Circle K site will utilize the ABB E-Mobility chargers that are likely the first chargers to comply with the Phase 2 Buy America, Build America (BABA) rules requiring that the cost of components manufactured in the United States is at least 55 percent of the cost of all components. Additionally, with the industry and automakers moving to adopt the NACS/J3400 standard and connector, it is great to see that these chargers will be updated later this year with the NACS connector, enabling drivers of many more EV models to easily charge without the need for an adapter.”
Loren McDonald, CEO of EVAdoption
Each Terra 184 charger boasts the capability to deliver up to 180 kW of power, enabling Circle K customers to enjoy swift recharging experiences and minimal interruption in their journeys. Kentucky’s early adoption of this cutting-edge technology under the NEVI program exemplifies its leadership in recognizing and nurturing the economic advantages of electric transportation nationwide. ABB E-mobility, similarly committed to this sustainable future, is providing these T184 fast chargers in support of other NEVI-funded initiatives spanning over half a dozen states across America.
ABB E-mobility stands as the charging partner of choice for convenience and fuel retailers keen on forging a reliable long-term relationship with a trusted technology provider. The company’s commitment to supporting its partners throughout the entire lifecycle of their electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructures is evident in its growing collaborations. With the recent inauguration of the new Circle K fast charging station in Richmond, Kentucky, ABB E-mobility advances Circle K’s EV charging network, as the company aims to extend its global footprint to 200 locations across North America by the year’s end.
This progress is a testament to the rising demand for accessible EV charging solutions, as EV adoption sees unprecedented growth, with statistics showing a soaring 1.2 million units sold in 2023 alone—a 50% increase from the previous year. As ABB E-mobility rolls out NEVI-compliant chargers nationwide, the company remains dedicated to working hand in hand with operators, lawmakers, and transport authorities to spearhead an e-mobility economy that delivers electric transportation benefits to all Americans.
“Our customers and drivers expect that charging infrastructure works, and we provide reliable and convenient charge-and-go technology,” said Chris Nordh, Head of ABB E-mobility in North America. “ABB E-mobility is committed to helping partners like Circle K achieve their EV charging goals by delivering reliable, seamless, efficient, and flexible charging solutions.”
“At Circle K, we are committed to providing a full range of mobility solutions that fuel our customers’ journeys, no matter how they power their vehicles, which is why we are bringing EV fast charging to key sites across our U.S. network where we can meet growing demand,” said Aaron Smorodin, Head of Business Development for Circle K. “We are pleased to partner once again with ABB E-mobility, honored to be a part of this milestone development supported by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the NEVI program, and look forward to being a preferred destination for EV drivers along the I-75 corridor.”
ABB E-mobility’s rich history in designing and producing EV chargers is well-established, with nearly 15 years of specialization in the field, supported by over a century of expertise in manufacturing electrification equipment. The commitment to national manufacturing and compliance is evident, as the Terra 184 chargers produced from their South Carolina operations adhere to the stringent “Phase II” requirements of the Build America, Buy America Act, ensuring at least 55% US-sourced components. This standard is not only patriotic but pivotal for various Federal Programs, NEVI included. These chargers are engineered for resilience and sustained performance, with preventative maintenance and service plans intricately woven into ABB’s NEVI proposal, guaranteeing astonishing uptime of 97+% for their users.
The forward-looking design of the T184 integrates all key standards and certifications that are intrinsic to the NEVI blueprint. These include ENERGY STAR certification, NTEP and CTEP certified metering, ADA readiness, ISO 15118 implementations, OCPP conformance, and J3400 readiness—each feature being integral rather than supplementary. ABB E-mobility’s proactive approach to fulfilling these regulations equips charging owners and operators with confidence, ensuring compliance with current and future regulatory mandates. The addition of high-power J3400 connectors later this year to the Richmond charging stations marks another stride in inclusivity, as it will cater to Tesla and upcoming NACS vehicles, obliterating the necessity for adapters and streamlining the charging process for a more diverse fleet of electric vehicles. The first NEVI-funded EV charging station opened in December 2023 in Ohio.
