Small Virginia Town Fills Electric Vehicle Charging Gap

Drivers of electric vehicles in southwest Virginia no longer have to worry about getting stranded between Tazewell and Lebanon. Richlands just installed its first two EV charging stations, filling a gap that stretched more than 50 miles.

The town celebrated with a ribbon cutting Tuesday at Greenway Park. For Mayor Rod Cury, the chargers represent more than just a place to plug in.

"It's offering a respite in our town which is a great town and a beautiful town," Cury said. "It puts people in touch with all the businesses and services and attractions that we have right here."

State Senator Travis Hackworth drives an all-electric GMC truck and plans to be among the first customers. He admitted he didn't think much about local charging when he bought his vehicle since he had chargers at home and work.

"When I put it in my program, it was not showing any here in Richlands," Hackworth said. "Very glad to see that Richlands is being progressive."

The Ripple Effect

The charging stations signal something bigger happening in coal country. Hackworth, who owns a coal-related business, sees room for both industries.

"Coal is here to stay. We are pro-coal," Hackworth said. "But we also realize that EVs is here to stay as well. And when you want visitors to come in, you have to meet their needs. And a lot of them come in EVs."

Tourism drives much of Tazewell County's economy. Without charging infrastructure, the region risked losing visitors who drive electric vehicles. Now local restaurants, shops, and attractions can welcome those travelers while their cars power up.

Virginia Clean Cities helped Richlands secure a grant for the project. For Tarah Kesterson, the organization's clean communities director, the installation hits close to home.

"This is really special to me. I ran the roads of Richlands as a kid. I drive an EV," Kesterson said. "So I come home and see my parents who live here. It's a really nice opportunity to come up here and charge and see the place I grew up."

Small towns across America face similar infrastructure gaps as transportation evolves, but Richlands proves that rural communities can adapt while staying true to their roots.