
Hopkinsville, KY Overview
Population: ~31,000 (Christian County: ~71,000)
Demographics: Predominantly African-American and White population. Median age is around 36.
Economy: Anchored in agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and the nearby Fort Campbell military base. The area is considered rural to semi-urban.
Transportation Culture: Car-dependent with limited public transportation. Most residents drive personal vehicles, making vehicle infrastructure improvements critical.
Social Culture Insights
Community-Focused: Hopkinsville has a tight-knit, faith-driven, and family-oriented culture. Local events (like the annual Trail of Tears Pow Wow) show strong community engagement.
Education & Outreach: Home to Hopkinsville Community College; a good partner for sustainability and EV awareness programs.
Tech Receptiveness: While not a tech hub, younger and military-affiliated residents are more open to adopting new technology—including EVs.
EV Adoption & Readiness
Low Current EV Penetration: Like many rural towns, EV ownership is still low, likely <1% of all registered vehicles.
Growth Potential: Kentucky's EV adoption is rising—largely driven by state incentives, federal infrastructure investments, and Ford’s upcoming EV battery plants (less than 2 hours away).
Charging Infrastructure: Sparse. Hopkinsville lacks high-speed chargers; mostly limited to a few Level 2 stations, if any.
Strategic Benefit: Its location along US Highway 68 and proximity to I-24 makes it ideal for regional travel charging—especially for those going between Nashville, Fort Campbell, and western Kentucky.
Opportunity for ChargeNode
Early Mover Advantage: Installing now means becoming the go-to charging option.
Military Community Engagement: Collaborating with Fort Campbell and veteran-owned businesses could build local loyalty.
Community Education: Hosting EV awareness events or partnering with local schools and businesses can ease the transition to EVs and build brand trust.