POCAHONTAS, Va. — A new Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging station is now open to drivers at the historic Pocahontas Exhibition Mine, marking a powerful intersection of Southwest Virginia’s coal heritage and its evolving transportation future.
First opened in 1882, the Pocahontas Mine was the foundation of a booming coal economy that helped power American industry, fueled railroads, and supplied the U.S. Navy through both World Wars. The high-quality “smokeless” coal mined here played a critical role in shaping modern energy systems and industrial growth across the nation.
Today, that same site—the addition of EV charging infrastructure represents the next chapter in that story, supplying EV drivers. A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the station.
A National Historic Landmark and one of the nation’s first exhibition coal mines—the Pocahontas Exhibition Mine welcomes visitors from across the region to learn about the legacy of coal and the communities it built.
“This site tells the story of where our energy journey began,” said Pocahontas Mayor Ben Gibson. “Installing EV charging here reflects how far we’ve come—and where we’re going. This is an important economic tool that has proven to increase visitors to small towns like our own.”
“Southwest Virginia is rooted in grit, determination and community. All these are clear when considering the region’s profound coal history,’ said U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (VA-9). “The Pocahontas Exhibition Mine in Tazewell County, which is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, helps preserve this coal history. With the installation of an electric vehicle charging station, more American travelers will visit the Mine and explore other wonderful opportunities in our region.”
“Southwest Virginia helped power America for generations,” said Virginia Clean Cities’ Clean Communities and Economic Development Director for Southwest Virginia Tarah Kesterson. “By bringing EV charging to a historic coal site like Pocahontas, we’re honoring that legacy while helping position the region for the next era of transportation—one that strengthens energy security and drives economic growth.”
Research shows that installing a single EV charging station can increase nearby business spending by approximately 1.4% annually, with even greater impacts for businesses located within close proximity.
At destinations like the Pocahontas Exhibition Mine EV infrastructure can encourage longer visitor stays, attract new travelers that drive EVs, increase the foot traffic to nearby businesses and support the continued revitalization of coal-impacted communities.
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.
About Virginia Clean Cities
Virginia Clean Cities is a U.S. Department of Energy designated coalition in the Clean Cities and Communities partnership. Virginia Clean Cities advances air quality improvement, economic opportunity, and energy security through deployment of alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure, education programs and other petroleum reduction activities.