Kentucky taking lead in EV industry, but is everyone on board? A guide to our coverage

Kentucky is taking the lead on electric vehicle manufacturing, bringing in billions of dollars in investments. But not everyone is on board with Kentucky's transition to the "EV Capital of the U.S."

Over the past few months, The Courier Journal has taken an in-depth look at the growing pains of EV manufacturing in the state, from job creation to anti-electric vehicle rhetoric, and consumers being slow to embrace the technology.

Here's a rundown of the stories in this series:

How Kentucky became the 'EV capital of the U.S.'

Kentucky has long been a dominant force in the automotive industry, boasting hundreds of factories and producing vehicles for brands like Ford Motor Co . and Toyota Motor .

Now, the commonwealth stands to grow from just a key player for automakers to the “ new Michigan ,” with the expanding frontier of electric vehicles.

Since 2020, Kentucky has racked up more than $11.5 billion in EV-related investments. Each investment into the creation of a battery park, a supplier company, or a battery recycling operation has created a plethora of job announcements, with more than 10,000 new jobs coming to Kentucky.

“EVs are going to be a very large share of the automotive sector and even through the slower projections we've seen, the capacity we're building in Kentucky will be necessary,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said.

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Kentucky conservatives both criticize and support EV industry

In the last few years, Kentucky has made a generational bet on the electric vehicle industry and the jobs it promises. The Republican-led legislature has approved generous incentives for the industry, while Gov. Andy Beshear declares the commonwealth the “EV capital of the United States.”

Since 2019, announcements of the electric vehicle industry’s investments in Kentucky have totaled billions of dollars. The coming projects are slated to create 10,000 jobs.

But the surge in economic development tied to electric vehicles has sparked political dissonance in deep-red Kentucky, whose Republican leaders both condemn the federal government's subsidies and support for EVs and celebrate the industry's historic investments and job creation in the state.

Kentucky EV adoption lags, but 'only question is timing'

In Kentucky, consumers have remained among the most hesitant in the country to embrace the technology.

Industry analysts and dealers told The Courier Journal concerns about electric vehicles' ability to travel long distances, or “range anxiety,” and reliable access to charging infrastructure are driving consumers’ reluctance about the technology.

"The No. 1 barrier for adoption is access to charging stations, the reliability of it, and so I think having infrastructure just visibly there is going to help from consumers, the optics of it," said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, an industry insights director at Cox Automotive.

Why some Kentucky auto dealers are struggling with EV sales

Despite massive investment in EV manufacturing in Kentucky, totaling over $11.5 billion in the last four years, the state is lagging in the rate of ownership compared to other states.

Consumers are hesitating to buy EVs because of price, range anxiety and access to charging infrastructure.

Dealerships play a central role in the pace of Kentucky’s electric vehicle transition. And some say selling EVs has been a challenge, so far.

Have thoughts about EVs? Or think there's another angle we could cover? Reach business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or environmental reporter Connor Giffin at cgiffin@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky taking lead in EV industry, but is everyone on board? A guide to our coverage