News Summary
Knoxville has become Tennessee’s first city to join the federally funded Charging Smart program, enhancing its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This initiative aims to simplify EV access and boost sustainability while improving air quality. With around 50 charging stations currently in place and plans for more, Knoxville is on track to increase its EV presence significantly by 2028. The collaboration with state departments promises additional charging stations, cementing Knoxville’s commitment to a greener future.
Knoxville Turns Heads as Tennessee’s First “Charging Smart” City
Exciting news is buzzing around Knoxville this week! The city proudly steps into the spotlight as Tennessee’s very first city to join the federally funded Charging Smart program. Aimed specifically at helping local governments expand their electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, this program is all about making EV access as easy and convenient as possible.
The Big Picture: What’s the Charging Smart Program All About?
The primary goal of the Charging Smart program is to provide assistance in achieving equitable and effective EV readiness goals. This includes offering free policy and technical support to cities, allowing them to pave the way for a greener future. Knoxville’s embrace of this initiative reflects a commitment to sustainability and improving local air quality, making the city a model for others across the state.
Current Charging Station Landscape
Knoxville has already taken significant steps towards creating a robust EV charging landscape. With around 50 charging stations installed, including 40 public chargers spread across 14 city-owned locations—like parking garages, public parks, and municipal buildings—residents are beginning to see the benefits of charging options right at their fingertips.
There’s more on the horizon too! An additional 30 charging stations are set to be added to the City County Building garage, catering to the city’s fleet of 40 electric vehicles. Residents can look forward to many of these chargers being available 24/7, ensuring that charging your electric vehicle is a hassle-free experience, regardless of the time of day.
Fast-Charging Stations Lead the Charge
Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) has already made strides in this area by launching two fast-charging EV stations in October. One of these popular stations is conveniently located at 390 S. Central St., boasting four charging spaces for all EV enthusiasts. Drivers using these fast chargers pay a reasonable 40 cents per kilowatt hour, making it both affordable and efficient to keep those batteries charged up!
Going Green: A Target for the Future
In a bid to reduce its carbon footprint, Knoxville aims to crank up the number of EVs on the roads to 200,000 by 2028. Currently, the city is home to approximately 35,000 battery electric vehicles and over 10,000 plug-in hybrid EVs. It’s worth mentioning that transportation alone contributes to a whopping 59% of carbon emissions in the region, pushing the city to invest in lower-carbon vehicle options to promote sustainability.
Finding Charging Stations Made Easy
To assist EV drivers in locating charging stations effortlessly, Charger-locator tools like PlugShare and ChargeHub are available. Since the launch of the fast-charging station downtown, approximately 530 charges have been recorded, with rave reviews coming in from both local drivers and those just passing through. It’s clear that convenience is key!
Looking Ahead: More Fast-Charging Stations on the Way
In an effort to further grow this network, the Tennessee Department of Transportation is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Together, they are gearing up to add several more charging stations around the state, benefiting from nearly $21 million in federal funds. A total of 31 fast-charging locations are being planned to fill in the gaps along Tennessee’s Alternative Fuel Corridors, ensuring that EV drivers have access wherever they go.
What to Expect
Each new charging station is expected to support at least four electric vehicles at any given time, equipped with 150 kW DC fast chargers. Several award recipients, including Love’s Travel Stops, BP, Universal EV LLC, and Pilot, are set to kick off construction by December 2024, making this an exciting time for our planet and local communities.
With its fresh commitment to electric vehicles and improved charging infrastructure, Knoxville is not just charging ahead—it’s paving the way for a brighter, cleaner future, one station at a time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: What’s the Big Deal About This Downtown EV Charging Station?
- Knox News: Knoxville Joins Federal EV Program Charging Smart to Boost Stations
- Inside of Knoxville: Knoxville Becomes Tennessee’s First Charging Smart City
- WBIR: Tennessee More Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- Wikipedia: Electric Vehicle Charging Station
