Alabama is spending millions of dollars to expand its charging station infrastructure – a move that officials say not only supports the needs of electric vehicle owners but also the growing EV automotive industry in the state. “We are invested in the automotive industry here in the state of Alabama, 45,000 workers all throughout the state,” said Kenneth Boswell, director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), the organization Gov. Kay Ivey has tasked with building out the state’s EV infrastructure. “We want to make sure that we do everything to solidify those jobs.” Both Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama have introduced electric vehicles to their Alabama assembly lines. Mercedes also produces EV batteries at a separate plant in Bibb County. Boswell said the availability of EV charging stations is important to EV owners in Alabama and those traveling through the state. “We also want to reduce that range anxiety for that person that chooses EV as an option,” he said.