|
|
| News and Events:
Upcoming Events and Funding Opportunities:
Resources and Guides:
| |
| TDEC & TVA Seek Fast Charge TN Network Projects
TDEC and TVA have partnered to develop a statewide electric vehicle (EV) fast charging network to power the growth of EVs across Tennessee and reduce barriers to transportation electrification. Specifically, the two will collaborate and fund a network of fast charging stations every 50 miles along Tennessee’s interstates and major highways. The “Fast Charge TN Network” will add approximately 50 new charging locations along prioritized corridor infrastructure gaps, tripling Tennessee’s existing fast charging network.
The two agencies are now seeking initial project proposals from TVA-served Local Power Companies (LPCs) and other local utilities that distribute electricity in Tennessee whose service territory is located along prioritized corridor gaps (eligible applicants) to develop the Fast Charge TN Network across Tennessee. Later rounds of funding may expand applicant eligibility to include local governmental entities, private companies, and/or non-profits.
For selected, eligible projects, the program will provide up to 80% of the cost to purchase, install, operate, and maintain eligible EV fast charging infrastructure that will be located within a prioritized corridor gap and made available to the public. This program will not support the purchase or rental of real estate, other capital costs (e.g., construction of buildings, parking facilities, etc.), or general maintenance (i.e., maintenance other than of the EV charging infrastructure). Program participants will be required to provide at least 20% of the total project cost through direct or in-kind cost share.
This program will require selected projects to include at least two DC fast chargers at each location, with the option to request to install a maximum of four DC fast chargers per location. Additionally, requests for funding may not exceed $150,000 per fast charger to be installed. Program participants will be responsible for finding a suitable host site and purchasing, installing, owning, operating, and maintaining program-funded fast charging equipment for a period of no less than five years.
Several program resources are now available at https://energyright.com/ev/fast-charger-program/tn for applicant reference, including a Program Overview, a Notice of Intent to Apply (NOI) response sheet, Program Guidelines, and a recording of the Fast Charge TN Network Funding Solicitation webinar. Additional program resources will be made available at a later date.
Eligible applicants must submit NOIs to TDEC.OEP@tn.gov by 4:00 PM CT on October 15 to be considered for funding. TDEC and TVA will review responses received to determine the projects that will be funded by each funding source. TDEC and TVA will then work directly with selected entities on next steps, including any remaining application documents and requirements prior to contracting.
| |
| Southeast States Launch Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Planning Tool
The Southeast Regional Electric Vehicle Information Exchange (SE REVI) is a collaboration of State and Territory Energy Offices from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the Virgin Islands focused on sharing information and best practices and collaborating on EV infrastructure planning, policy development, and program implementation. Through SE REVI, the State and Territory Energy Offices are:
- Exploring ways to promote electric transportation solutions in communities that are rural, low-income, or facing disproportionate air quality burdens;
- Examining the role of EV infrastructure during evacuations; and
- Evaluating the use of EVs to build resiliency into power supply delivery
States and territories participating in SE REVI have launched a multi-state map to enable coordination across the region on EV infrastructure investments. The interactive map utilizes various data, including locations of current and planned Level 2 and DC fast chargers, state and national parks, Federal Highway Administration-designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, the location of state information and welcome centers, hurricane evacuation routes, social equity data, and electric service provider territories. Developed with input from each SE REVI participant, the map can be used to inform EV infrastructure investment decisions and to conduct education and outreach on EV infrastructure gaps and opportunities along priority corridors.
Facilitation and analytical support for SE REVI is provided by the National Association of State Energy Officials and the Duke University Nicholas Institute. If you have any questions, please contact Cassie Powers at cpowers@naseo.org.
| |
| TVA Announces Fleet EV Plan
TVA recently announced that it is accelerating plans to incorporate EVs into its fleet, with a goal of electrifying 100% of its light-duty vehicles and 50% of its medium-duty vehicles by 2030. To achieve its goal, TVA intends to add nearly 1,200 light- and medium-duty EVs to its fleet and more than 300 additional charging stations at key TVA locations. TVA has also expanded existing programs to encourage EV usage by employees. The ValleyRide program, which allows employees to rent a vehicle from TVA for travel to other TVA sites, is currently available at the Chattanooga Office Complex and Muscle Shoals. More EVs and locations will be added to the ValleyRide program in the coming years, giving employees an easy option to choose a carbon-free EV for work travel. To learn more about TVA’s commitment to EVs, visit https://www.tva.com/energy-system-of-the-future/electric-vehicles.
| |
| National Drive Electric Week
National Drive Electric Week (NDEW), which will take place from September 25-October 3, is a nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of today's EV offerings and to highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. This year, the Knoxville Electric Vehicle Association (KEVA) and Drive Electric Tennessee will host a Drive Electric Festival on September 25 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Eastern in Knoxville. This event will be an opportunity to talk directly with EV owners about their real-world experiences with EVs. Participants can learn about what it's like to take a long road trip in an electric car, how to find charging opportunities on the road, how long it takes to charge, EV maintenance savings and best practices, and more.
The event will include the following COVID-19 safety precautions:
- Masks are to be worn when within 6 feet of other people and inside any vehicles. Masks will be available for anyone who does not have their own.
- Wristbands will be issued to all attendees whose forehead temperatures are normal. Wristbands are required to enter any vehicle, whether on display or for a test ride or drive.
- During test rides and drives, only the dealer representative, the test driver, and other members of the driver's immediate household will be in the vehicle. Masks must be worn and windows must be down.
Click here to see more information and to RSVP for the event.
| |
| MATA Launches Ready! Program to Serve Low-Income Memphis Communities
The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) recently launched a new curb-to-curb ridehailing transit program called Ready! for those traveling in the southeast Memphis service area, including the Boxtown, Westwood, and Whitehaven communities (areas that the data shows have the greatest mobility needs). The service allows riders to reserve a pickup or drop off ride within those areas by calling 901-322-0466 from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM Monday through Saturday. For now, the service is free, but a charge will be assessed in the future to match MATA’s other fixed route fees. The Ready! Program is part of the Memphis 3.0 Transit Vision, a multi-million-dollar plan that calls for transforming public transportation. Click here to learn more about Ready!
| |
|
| UPCOMING EVENTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
| |
| 2021 Sustainable Fleet Technology Virtual Conference
This year’s fifth annual Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference will be held as a series of virtual events highlighting the leading edge of sustainable fleet practices and alternative fuel opportunities. Each session will feature expert speakers from across the U.S. that will discuss the latest opportunities for biofuel, electric, natural gas, and propane fuels and fueling, with a focus on data-driven decisions, tools, and technologies. These sessions will occur every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00-3:30 PM Eastern from September 9 through October 19. Upcoming sessions include:
Registration for each session is available free of charge. Click on the links above to register for individual sessions.
| |
| 2021 Tennessee Bike Walk Summit
Bike Walk Tennessee will hold the 2021 Tennessee Bike Walk Summit from September 30-October 1 in Cleveland, TN. This annual event brings together cyclists, pedestrians, advocates, planners, engineers, and elected officials from across the state to share resources and best practices related to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, funding, education, outreach, and policy. Through a series of keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and mobile workshops, the Summit is a valuable educational and networking experience that focuses on a commitment to building streets that are safe and inviting for all people. This year’s event will feature a bike ride and networking event on September 30, with all plenaries and workshops taking place on October 1. Click here for more information.
| |
| Community Mobility Ready-to-Launch Grants
The National Center for Mobility Management is accepting applications for its 2021 Community Mobility Ready-to-Launch Grant Program, which is intended to fund the pilot phase of already-designed mobility solutions to allow low-income community members to become more fully engaged in economic opportunities, improve their health and well-being, and/or become more integrated into their community. Eligible applicants for these $75,000 grants include non-profits or government agencies that are able to receive, or be a subrecipient of, federal funding. Applications must be submitted to reckley@ctaa.org by October 15. Click here to access the full Request for Proposals. Click here to view the program Q&A.
| |
| E-Mobility Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Virtual Conference
The E-Mobility Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Virtual Conference will take place on November 17-18. The two-day conference, presented by EVNoire and Forth, will explore and facilitate conversations about strategies and best practices for engaging diverse communities often hit worst and first by air pollution with new EV programs, policies, and outreach strategies. Attendees include e-mobility, transportation, environmental, and social justice professionals as well as advocates from government, utilities, mobility companies, nonprofits, and other organizations. Interactive sessions will explore best practices and lessons learned, highlight case studies, explore tools, build new relationships, and tackle difficult conversations in the e-mobility space. Visit http://emobilityequityconference.com/ to learn more.
| |
| U.S. DOE Announces New Communities LEAP Opportunity
On September 15, U.S. DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm introduced the Communities Local Energy Action Program (LEAP), a new pilot to facilitate sustained, community-wide economic and environmental benefits. This opportunity is specifically open to low-income, energy-burdened communities that are also experiencing either direct environmental justice impacts or economic impacts caused by a shift away from historical reliance on fossil fuels. Under the Communities LEAP Pilot, U.S. DOE will provide supportive services valued at up to $16M for community-driven clean energy transitions.
This initiative is designed to provide communities a single application to access technical assistance from many different U.S. DOE programs. Communities can identify multiple pathways of interest for clean energy-related economic development, including Renewable Energy Planning and Development, Energy Efficient Buildings and Beneficial Electrification Planning and Investment, Clean Transportation Planning and Investment, Carbon Capture and Storage, Energy Site Reclamation and Critical Minerals Processing, Community Resilience Microgrids, and New or Enhanced Manufacturing. Once the communities have been selected for technical assistance, U.S. DOE will match the communities with appropriate technical assistance providers and provide funding to the technical assistance providers to work with the selected communities.
| |
| Report: Retained Transportation Fuel Spending in the Southeast
The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) has released a new report titled, “Retained Transportation Fuel Spending in the Southeast: Electric vs. Internal Combustion Vehicles,” which analyzes how much consumers spend on gas and diesel, how much of that transportation fuel spending remains in a given Southeast state, and how much spending ultimately leaves the jurisdiction. The report examines the fuel spending impact of replacing all on-road gas and diesel-powered cars, trucks, and buses with vehicles that drive entirely on electricity. According to SACE, transportation electrification could provide an economic boon for Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee, with unrealized annual economic benefits of up to $47 billion, including over $6 billion in Tennessee alone. Given that electricity is cheaper than gas and diesel fuel, EVs are more efficient than internal combustion vehicles, and electricity is generated, transmitted, and distributed at a local level, the report concludes that electrification of the transportation sector would retain more transportation fuel spending within the region’s economy.
| |
|
|
|
|
