Tennessee to initiate EV fast charging network

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Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) officials have partnered to develop a statewide electric vehicle (EV) fast charging network to spur EV growth.

“This investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure is a monumental step forward, and I’m proud that Tennessee is leading in this important effort,” Gov. Bill Lee said. “With TVA’s partnership, we will be able to continue our work to protect our environment and improve our transportation infrastructure.”

The endeavor also seeks to reduce barriers to transportation electrification. TDEC and TVA signed an agreement to collaborate and fund a network of fast charging stations every 50 miles along Tennessee’s interstates and major highways.

The project would yield 50 additional new charging locations, per authorities, doubling the existing fast charging network currently numbering 24 such sites open to all consumers and supporting both charging standards common to EVs.

“Innovative partnerships with state agencies like TDEC and our local power companies are essential in developing one of the nation’s most comprehensive EV fast charging networks, starting in Tennessee,” TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash said. “Through this partnership, TVA is positioned to be a national leader in electric transportation by making it easier for local power companies to install fast charging stations, which make electric vehicles an easy choice for consumers to make.”

TDEC has committed 15 percent of the state’s Volkswagen Diesel Settlement Environmental Mitigation allocation to fund light-duty EV charging infrastructure. Approximately $5 million from the fund is expected to be allocated to fast charging infrastructure along corridors.