Free EV Charging Station
Charge your electric vehicle for free at ASPI and learn how renewable energy solutions are being put into practice in Appalachian communities.
About ASPI’S EV Charging Station
At our Small Town Demonstration Center in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, ASPI operates a Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging station alongside one of the state’s longest-running net-metered solar installations—a living demonstration of how rural communities can pair rooftop solar, utility net metering, and practical transportation infrastructure.
Why It Matters
The station supports ASPI’s donor-funded demonstration EV, used for education and local errands, and is open to travelers who need a charge while passing through the region. Charging is tied to our solar production and net-metering credits; we welcome optional donations to help maintain the system.
For drivers and visitors
- Level 2 (Class 2) charging for most plug-in vehicles (confirm your connector before you travel).
- Sessions are solar-supported through net metering, not a fully off-grid installation.
- No set fee; optional donations help maintain equipment and programs.
Location: 50 Lair Street, Mount Vernon, KY 40456 · Contact ASPI · For immediate assistance: 859-893-9765
Charger type: Level 2 (Class 2)
Availability: 24/7
Solar-powered demonstration
ASPI installed Kentucky’s first net-metered solar electric system at this office in 2001. Master electrician Jerry Bogie designed the original array; he later worked with Josh Bills (former ASPI staff and board member, now energy specialist at Mountain Association) to expand the system and add EV charging.
- 2001 — First net-metered solar at the Small Town Demonstration Center.
- 2020–2021 — Rooftop solar expanded from 2.7 kW toward ~11 kW, with roof repairs; Level 2 EV charger installed.
- 2022 — Charger in regular use; donor-funded demonstration EV acquired for education and outreach.
- 2022 onward — Open houses as part of the National Solar Tour at Mount Vernon and Rockcastle sites.
During strong daylight production, our setup supports “boost” charging—roughly 25% faster than a standard Level 2 session—so visitors can see how on-site generation affects charging speed.
Our array is net-metered: surplus generation offsets future bills. With the EV charger, credits can also be understood as EV miles banked for future charging. In 2023, we reported on the order of 50,000 EV miles banked—an example of planning solar and transportation together in a small-town setting.
We are working to list this location on public EV charging maps so travelers between Lexington, Knoxville, and eastern Kentucky can find us more easily. We have been added to PlugShare.
Education & Partnerships
The charger and demonstration EV support conversations with neighbors, service-learning groups, and regional partners about solar, net metering, and electric transportation in Appalachia. The Mountain Association energy team has documented the system as part of broader rural EV and solar storytelling in the region.
Related demonstrations at this site include garden beds, greenhouses, energy-efficiency upgrades, and a resource library—see Mount Vernon Demonstration Center for the full campus overview.
Support this work
Maintaining solar, charging hardware, and a demonstration vehicle depends on grants, donations, and volunteer labor—including facility upgrades supported in part by the Blue Grass Community Foundation and ongoing collaboration with Mountain Association.
This charging station is part of ASPI’s work to demonstrate practical, community-scale energy solutions. By providing free access to EV charging, we aim to support cleaner transportation and increase awareness of renewable energy options in the region.
Projects like this are made possible through community support. Help us continue expanding access to sustainable solutions across Appalachia.