FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2025
VCC Contacts:
Tarah Kesterson, tkesterson@active-fuchsia-cobra.67-208-42-13.cpanel.site
Alleyn Harned, (540) 568-8896
Breaks, VA – Breaks Interstate Park is plugging into the future with a new electric vehicle charging station. The park installed a Level 2 dual-port ChargePoint EV charging station. The station is another charging option added to the growing electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Southwest Virginia.
“This is one more feature we can offer to ensure our park is accessible to all visitors, including those driving electric vehicles,” said Breaks Interstate Park Superintendent Austin Bradley. “We have received several requests for an EV charging station and Virginia Clean Cities helped us meet that need. Now guests can plug in while they explore the park and take in all the views around them.”
The new station offers two charging ports and is a free service offered to EV drivers visiting Breaks Interstate Park. It is conveniently located near the park’s lodge, restaurant, Visitor’s Center and access trail to several of the park’s most popular scenic overlooks.
The charger was funded by the Rural Reimagined program which is a federal U.S. Department of Energy grant that is designed to implement low-cost, clean transportation initiatives in rural communities of Appalachia. The program provides charging stations at no cost to site hosts and includes funding for a portion of the installation.
“This charging station is more than a way for EV drivers to access the park, it has the potential to increase revenue and play a role in energy security and improving air quality,” said VCC Chief Deputy Matthew Wade. “The staff here not only met customer requests but also prepared for the future as we continue to see EV adoption grow by 40 percent each year.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held today to celebrate this additional amenity to the many attractions Breaks Interstate Park already offers.
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.
About Breaks Interstate Park
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the South,” Breaks Interstate Park is a breathtaking natural wonder straddling the Kentucky–Virginia border. Carved by the Russell Fork River over millions of years, the park features awe-inspiring overlooks, rugged hiking trails, world-class whitewater, abundant wildlife including a thriving restored elk herd, and year-round outdoor adventure. As one of only two interstate parks in the nation, The Breaks offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and family-friendly recreation, all in one unforgettable destination.