While originally known as “the end of the road,” last Thursday Homer became the “beginning of the Alaska electric highway” as the Alaska Energy Authority, FreeWire Technologies Inc. and Adrienne Sweeney, of AJ’s Steakhouse and Driftwood Inn, unveiled Alaska’s first electric vehicle fast-charging station in the parking lot of AJ’s Steakhouse. The charging station is the first of nine fast-charging stations which will connect Homer to Fairbanks.

“I think it’s a genuine celebration of accomplishment for Alaska and for Homer and all of you who live and work here,” said T.W. Patch, Alaska Energy Authority director of planning. “The accomplishment is a ribbon cutting that celebrates the opening for business and the availability of the first-in-the-state EV charging station sponsored by the state energy office and placed along the highway — the backbone transportation system for our state.”

The nine EV fast-charging stations were made possible through grants by the Alaska Energy Authority.