Manchester is set to become home to one of the first locations in a new electric vehicle charging network, as construction is now underway next to Huddle House along Ky. 80.
PowerUp America, an emerging EV charging company, is building a DC fast-charging station in Manchester that is expected to go online before the end of 2025. The project places Manchester at the forefront of the company’s initial rollout, making it the first PowerUp America site expected to open nationwide.
The Manchester location is part of a larger effort funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. PowerUp America has been awarded contracts to develop charging stations across the Southeast, including five sites in Tennessee, two in Virginia, and one in Kentucky — the Kentucky site being Manchester.
According to company plans and renderings, the Manchester station will resemble a modern fuel station, complete with pull-through charging stalls, a full turning radius for vehicles, a canopy, and additional amenities designed to accommodate travelers and local drivers alike.
The Manchester site will be equipped with Kempower distributed DC fast-charging systems. PowerUp America placed orders for the chargers in the third quarter of 2025, and the company reports that the first units have already completed manufacturing.
The station will feature two 400-kilowatt power electronics cabinets paired with four total charging stalls. Each stall will be capable of delivering up to 400 kW of power, with output dynamically adjusted depending on demand at other chargers.
To maximize compatibility, each satellite dispenser will include two connectors — one CCS1 and one NACS (SAE J3400) — allowing most electric vehicles to charge without the need for adapters.
The site has also been designed with future expansion in mind, allowing for additional chargers and power capacity as demand increases.
Drivers will be able to pay using a credit card reader at the station or through a mobile app, providing flexible payment options for both local users and travelers passing through the area.
PowerUp America has stated that its mission is to expand fast-charging infrastructure in smaller cities, particularly across the Southeast, helping close gaps in EV accessibility outside major metropolitan areas. The Manchester project aligns with that goal and positions the community as an early participant in the growing electric vehicle economy.
As construction progresses along Ky. 80, the new charging station is expected to add another modern amenity to the Manchester area while supporting increased EV travel through southeastern Kentucky.
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