September 9 is World EV Day, and to celebrate we’re highlighting some of the exciting EV happenings taking place within our membership and across the Tennessee Valley. Check out our list below, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to share what your local power company is doing to drive the EV revolution.
Weakley County MES Installs First Tenn. Fast Charging Station
Weakley County Municipal Electric System, located in Martin, Tenn., is the first LPC in Tenn. to install a fast charger location as part of TVA’s Fast Charge TN Network and in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and Seven States Power Corporation. The Fast Charge TN initiative is a regional EV charging network that will cover major travel corridors across the state to enable long-distance EV travel. General Manager Andrea Harrington plugged in the charging unit for the first time on Tuesday, Aug. 30 during its unveiling.
MTE Launches EV Car Club
Middle Tennessee Electric, located in Murfreesboro, Tenn., partnered with Touchstone Energy to build their very own EV Car Club, free to their members. By joining, members gain access to activities and educational opportunities related to EVs. MTE invites EV owners, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about EVs to join. Learn more about this growing club and how MTE is promoting electric vehicle adoption among their members: https://mte.com/EVCarClub
Cullman EC Installs Two Fast Charging Stations, Offers Free EV Test Drives
On Sept. 7, Cullman Electric Cooperative unveiled two fast chargers located in Cullman, Ala. which have been built through a partnership with TVA, Seven States Power Corporation and Drive Electric Alabama, a statewide initiative coordinated by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Additionally, they own their own EV, a Ford Mustang Mach-E, and will offer free test drives for anyone interested in learning about its innovative technology, substantial driving range and exhilarating performance. Click here to learn more.
Chattanooga, Tenn. Receives $9.2 Million to be EV “Living Testbed”
Chattanooga, Tenn. will be home to the nation’s largest EV “living testbed,” thanks to $9.2 million in funding for a project proposed by the city and scientists at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) with municipal, private industry and research partners. Funding will come from a $4.5-million U.S. Department of Transportation grant award and another $4.7 million from EPB Chattanooga, UTC, Chattanooga city government and industry partners. The winning proposal includes a networked system that will make finding an EV charging station easier by customizing charging opportunities for drivers. The system will recognize the charge level of individual EVs, volume and pace of traffic and electric grid power demand to recommend charging stations and types by location.
Two EV Production Plants Bring Economic Development, Jobs to the Valley
Ford is currently constructing a $5.6 billion EV production complex in Stanton, Tenn. called BlueOval City. Once fully operational, the innovative mega-campus will create approximately 6,000 new jobs and is designed to be carbon neutral with zero waste to landfill. BlueOval City will become a vertically integrated ecosystem for Ford to assemble an expanded lineup of electric F-Series vehicles and will include a BlueOval SK battery plant, key suppliers and recycling.
General Motors, along with its joint-venture battery partner LG Energy Solutions, is building a second battery cell manufacturing plant for EVs in Spring Hill, Tenn. The $2.3 billion facility will create 1,300 new manufacturing jobs and mass-produce Ultium battery cells for GM’s growing lineup of electric vehicles, including the Cadillac LYRIQ. The plant is scheduled to open in late 2023. Click here to learn more.
Bonus
Chevrolet recently announced the first-ever all-electric fleet truck, the Chevrolet Silverado. With an estimated range of 400 miles on a full charge, this EV can tow up to 10,000 lbs. and harnesses Ultium battery technology. If you’re a TVPPA member interested in purchasing this new truck, or other fleet vehicle, we now offer a unique purchasing opportunity through a partnership with General Motors. This discount program allows us to purchase up to 50 of these advanced fleet vehicles for our membership. Click here to learn more.