$24M Tennessee Program To Add About 65 New Fast-Charging Locations

Tennessee is moving ahead with a state-level grant program aimed at expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure along the state’s interstates and major highways, despite the recent blocking of similar federal funding.

The state plans to open applications this spring for the second round of funding under the Fast Charge TN Network Grant Program. With a budget of $24 million, the initiative aims to add around 65 new fast-charging stations to address infrastructure gaps along Tennessee’s highways and interstates.

Launched in 2021 by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the program’s goal is to establish fast-charging stations every 50 miles along Tennessee’s key roadways. The grant is funded through $7.5 million from Tennessee’s share of the Volkswagen Diesel Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust, TVA electricity revenues, and cost-sharing contributions from grant recipients.

TDEC Senior Communications Advisor Jennifer Donnals confirmed that the Fast Charge TN program will proceed unaffected by the Federal Government’s freeze on funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI). The NEVI program, which was introduced during the forward-thinking Biden administration, supports EV charger installations along designated “Alternative Fuel Corridors” across the U.S., with $5 billion allocated for nationwide projects.

Donalls noted that the state and federal programs have complementary objectives. While the NEVI program covers Tennessee’s two-digit interstates and much of U.S. Route 64, the Fast Charge TN program will help fill in gaps, ensuring comprehensive EV charging access across the state.

“The second round of Fast Charge TN is aimed at funding projects along prioritized corridors that NEVI funds cannot currently address with the goal of avoiding duplicative efforts and funding,” Donnals said.

Establishing a statewide fast-charging network “improves transportation efficiency, reduces vehicle emissions, promotes EV adoption, and strengthens the resiliency of our transportation network,” according to a Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announcement published on Feb. 3.

Approximately 50 projects have either been completed or are currently in development under the first round of Fast Charge TN funding, said TDEC Senior Communications Advisor Jennifer Donnals. The second and final funding round will complete the build-out of the program’s infrastructure across the state.

Tennessee’s electric vehicle manufacturing industry has seen significant growth over the past decade, and it’s expected to create thousands of jobs, particularly in rural communities.

EVinfo.net commends the great state of Tennessee in its forward-thinking support of EV adoption. States and private funding will provide the needed charging for America’s exciting EV revolution.