DURHAM, NC — September 16, 2026 — EV infrastructure developer PowerUp America has been selected for four new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program funding awards by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
The funding allocation expands PowerUp America’s fast-charging network across eastern and southern North Carolina, introducing public DC fast-charging hubs to four key regional travel corridors: Chocowinity, Plymouth, Wadesboro, and Whiteville. The new hubs will fill charging gaps along rural and regional corridors, making long-distance EV travel and local adoption more practical for North Carolina drivers.
Project Overview
| Program & Deployment Metric | Project Specification |
|---|---|
| Funding Program | North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) NEVI Program |
| Site Locations | Chocowinity, Plymouth, Wadesboro, and Whiteville, NC |
| Equipment Supplier | Kempower (Manufactured at North American HQ in Durham, NC) |
| Technology Type | High-performance DC fast charging hardware |
| Target Completion Window | Mid to late 2027 (Development, permitting, construction, commissioning) |
Localized Manufacturing and Regional Corridor Charging
The awarded charging locations utilize hardware manufactured locally by Kempower, which maintains its North American headquarters and primary production operations in Durham, North Carolina.
PowerUp America will lead site development in coordination with NCDOT, regional electric utility providers, and local municipal partners. Each installation will progress through engineering design, permitting, civil construction, and electrical commissioning ahead of public operation.
Jessie Hensley, President of PowerUp America, stated:
“Thank you to NCDOT for the continued partnership and confidence in PowerUp America. These awards are another opportunity for our team to turn public investment into charging stations that communities and drivers can rely on.”
“We are excited to continue growing across North Carolina and look forward to delivering safe, reliable fast charging in each of these communities.”
Expanding Reliability Across Transportation Routes
The deployment addresses key connectivity gaps along North Carolina’s regional travel routes, supporting local EV adoption as well as long-distance corridor travel.
Monil Malhotra, President of Kempower North America, added:
“North Carolina is home for Kempower in North America, which makes it especially meaningful to see our charging technology being deployed in communities across the state.”
“We are proud to continue working alongside PowerUp America to deliver reliable, high performance charging infrastructure and support the continued growth of EV transportation in North Carolina.”
The four sites are targeted to achieve full commercial operation between mid and late 2027.
FAQ: PowerUp America & Kempower NC NEVI Deployment
Where are the new PowerUp America NEVI charging stations located?
The four awarded NEVI fast-charging stations will be installed in Chocowinity, Plymouth, Wadesboro, and Whiteville, North Carolina.
Who is supplying the charging hardware for the North Carolina sites?
Kempower is providing the DC fast-charging equipment, manufactured locally at its North American headquarters in Durham, North Carolina.
When will the new North Carolina NEVI fast-charging stations open?
The stations are scheduled to advance through development, construction, and commissioning, with target opening dates set for mid to late 2027.
