EV Drivers Visiting Richlands Now Have a Place to Charge While Visiting Downtown

April 8, 2026

by Tarah Kesterson

VCC’s Tarah Kesterson, Richlands Mayor Rod Cury, Virginia Senator Travis Hackworth and Cody Mumpower, representing U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith, celebrate the opening of an EV station on Front Street in Richlands.

Richlands, Va. – Electric vehicle (EV) drivers now have a new reason to stop and stay awhile in Richlands. The Town is embracing the future of transportation with the installation of a new Level 2 dual-port EV charging station in its downtown district.

Located at Greenway Park on Front Street, the station expands the growing network of EV infrastructure across Southwest Virginia, offering residents and visitors a convenient place to charge while exploring local shops, restaurants, and attractions.

The opconnect charging station has two ports and is located in close proximity to downtown businesses and restaurants.

“As a downtown business owner, this is a great opportunity to encourage more visitors to Richlands to experience all we have to offer,” said Richlands Mayor Rod Cury. “With EV ownership increasing every day—and the closest charging station previously nearly an hour away—we recognized the importance of making sure drivers can power up right here.”

“As the popularity of electric vehicles grows the presence of this charging station will benefit not only our residents but will also draw visitors to our community,” said Senator Travis Hackworth. “I’m excited to see Richlands benefit from the additional economic development that will be created for our businesses and restaurants.”

Virginia Senator Travis Hackworth drives a fully electric GMC Denali.

The charging station was funded through the Mid-Atlantic Electrification Partnership (MAEP), a federal grant program supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and overseen by the Virginia Department of Energy and administered by Virginia Clean Cities (VCC). MAEP aims to expand EV infrastructure and accelerate adoption across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., providing charging stations at no cost to site hosts.

Richlands Electric Director Allen Compton installed the EV charging stations.

“Communities that invest in EV charging infrastructure have the potential to improve air quality, strengthen energy security, and drive economic growth,” said Tarah Kesterson, VCC Clean Communities and Economic Development Director for Southwest Virginia. “As this network continues to expand, it also opens the door for new jobs and long-term industry development in the region.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of this new amenity, marking another step forward in the town’s commitment to innovation and accessibility.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held April 7, 2026 to officially open the new charging station.

Because the station is located within close proximity to numerous businesses, Richlands will also be recognized through the federal EMPOWER program as a community dedicated to increasing EV access for employees and visitors alike.