Upcoming Funding Opportunities: |
|
|
Tennessee Passes Transportation Modernization Act |
TDOT recently announced the passage of the Transportation Modernization Act, which will create a new strategy to accommodate Tennessee’s record growth, address traffic congestion, and meet transportation needs across rural and urban communities. The legislation will give TDOT the resources needed to solve the state’s current and future mobility challenges, including seeking the use of public-private partnerships to preserve state funds for rural infrastructure priorities, exploring Choice Lanes to decrease congestion and increase economic impact statewide, and expanding the alternative delivery model to save taxpayer dollars and deliver road projects more efficiently. Additionally, the Act includes an increase from $100 to $200 for annual electric vehicle (EV) registration in the state, as well as a $100 annual registration fee for hybrid vehicles. Additional information is available on the Transportation Modernization Act one-pager here.
|
|
|
Tennessee Universities Leading Transportation Research |
TTU Selected by NASA to Develop Electrified Passenger Aircraft Design
Tennessee Tech University (TTU) has been awarded a contract with NASA worth up to $25.1 million to develop a preliminary design for an electrified 150-passenger aircraft. This contract is part of NASA's University Leadership Initiative, which allows the academic community to support the agency's aeronautical research goals and provide students with real-world technical challenges.
TTU’s contract is part of NASA's broader efforts to develop more sustainable aviation technologies. The agency is committed to reducing the environmental impact of aviation and ensuring that air travel remains safe, efficient, and accessible to all. According to a press release from NASA, the aircraft will use an ammonia-based integrated propulsion, power, and thermal management system.
UT-Knoxville to Lead Multi-Institutional University Transportation Center
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) will join five other U.S. universities to form a new University Transportation Center, with UTK taking the lead. This center aims to improve the mobility of people and goods across the country and address the challenges in freight transportation system design, planning, operations, and innovations in national and global supply chains through research, education, workforce development, and technology transfer activities.
U.S. DOT will provide $2 million annually for five years for a total of $10 million for the Center for Freight Transportation for Efficient and Resilient Supply Chain through its University Transportation Centers Program. The new center will be housed in UTK’s Center for Transportation Research, and the university will partner with Texas A&M University, the University of Illinois-Chicago, Oregon State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and California State University-Long Beach.
Vanderbilt Receives Funding for EV Research
Vanderbilt University will lead two research projects that aim to identify the barriers to and potential health benefits from the adoption of EVs in the Southeastern United States. The studies will be funded by the Audi CO2 Cy Pres Settlement Fund, which will provide $1 million in funding over three years.
The first project will examine how switching from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles to EVs of all types, such as cars, trucks, buses, and delivery vehicles, will reduce air pollutant emissions in Tennessee and improve public health. A second project will examine how social influences, including political polarization, can impede widespread EV adoption in rural, suburban, and urban areas.
|
|
|
Oshkosh to Build Electric Refuse Vehicle in Tennessee |
Oshkosh Corporation, a manufacturer of purpose-built vehicles and equipment, announced it will utilize a new, state-of-the-art plant in Murfreesboro to manufacture North America’s first fully integrated electric refuse collection vehicle.
The vehicle will enable a full day’s refuse collection on a single charge with zero tailpipe emissions and is designed to minimize environmental impact and reduce noise in communities around the world. The new Murfreesboro plant will be just one of the several facilities that will manufacture the electric refuse collection vehicle.
|
|
|
Cleanup Contractor UCOR Transitions to an Electric Fleet |
The U.S. DOE Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management cleanup contractor UCOR is slated to receive its first EVs as part of a broader transition to an all-electric fleet. The first vehicle has already been received, and UCOR plans to add 150 EVs by the end of this year. It is estimated that transitioning the fleet will avoid up to 320 metric tons in annual carbon emissions and $50,000 in fuel costs annually based on the national average cost of gas and electricity.
|
|
|
White House Launches EV Acceleration Challenge |
The White House has launched the EV Acceleration Challenge, a call to action for all stakeholders in the private and public sectors, including advocacy and community groups, to dedicate resources and make independent commitments to actively support the transition to EVs.
Through the EV Acceleration Challenge, organizations are encouraged to share details about any new or not yet publicly announced commitments planned in support of the national EV transition. The White House will highlight submissions on a rolling basis.
|
| |
|
The EV Acceleration Challenge is focused on four primary categories:
|
- Tools and Resources
- Consumer Education and Support
- EV Fleet Expansion
- Community Charging
|
The challenge is open to organizations of all sizes, including automakers and suppliers, technology companies, advertising and marketing companies, retail property owners, non-profit organizations, philanthropic organizations, trade associations, State/local/territory/Tribal governments, schools and universities, and community-based and neighborhood organizations.
Visit the EV Acceleration Challenge site for more information and submit details about your organization’s actions to support the EV transition.
|
|
|
| Drive Electric Tennessee Plug-in EV Owner Survey |
|
|
DriveElectricTN and TNCleanFuels, two stakeholder-supported statewide initiatives that promote vehicle electrification across Tennessee, are undertaking a large-scale survey of plug-in EV owners, the data from which will be integral to understanding how Tennessee's electric transportation landscape is changing.
The survey should take less than ten minutes and can be found here.
|
|
|
Drive Electric Tennessee Earth Day Events
|
Join Drive Electric Tennessee in celebrating Earth Day across the state throughout April. Upcoming events around the state include:
|
- Knoxville: The Orange Hat Brewing, April 22 from 11:00 am-5:00 pm ET
- Chattanooga: Finley Stadium Davenport Field, April 22 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm ET
-
Oak Ridge: East TN FARM, April 22 from 8:00 am-12:00 pm ET
- Nashville: The Great Lawn at Centennial Park, April 22 from 11:00 am-6:00 pm CT
- Knoxville: World’s Fair Park, April 29 from 10:00 am-7:00 pm ET
- Clarksville: CDE Lightband, May 11 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm CT
|
Drive Electric Earth Day is celebrated nationwide; all events are listed here.
|
|
|
U.S. DOE’s Clean Cities Coalition Coffee with a Researcher Webinar Series |
U.S. DOE Clean Cities is offering a "Coffee with a Researcher" webinar series for coalitions and stakeholders exploring energy-efficient mobility system (EEMS) topics. This conversational series is open to the public and will create mutually beneficial connections between Clean Cities coalitions, clean transportation stakeholders, and EEMS researchers at national laboratories.
|
|
|
|
| TennSMART’s Smart Mobility Challenge Demo Day |
|
|
The conclusion of the inaugural Smart Mobility Challenge will be on April 27, with Demo Day at Baker Donelson in downtown Nashville. Join mobility experts, university partners, and entrepreneurs from across the state as we watch teams pitch their companies developed over the past nine weeks before a panel of judges for a grand prize.
The Smart Mobility Challenge is a 10-week entrepreneurship education program that uses real intellectual property from Tennessee-based research and academic institutions to foster commercialization. The program encourages participation from university students, entrepreneurs, and everywhere in between to learn how to create a viable business. Watch as participants pitch their mock company to a panel of judges for a chance to win a grand prize.
|
|
|
EV Battery Innovations Conference |
The Smart Factory Institute Tennessee is hosting its EV Battery Innovations Conference on April 27 from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Eastern at the PIE Innovation Center in Cleveland, TN. The conference will feature representatives from TDEC, TDOT, and TVA, professionals from the EV infrastructure industry, battery manufacturers, and original equipment manufacturers to discuss EV opportunities and how to invest in the workforce to meet the demands of the automotive sector. The conference agenda and registration are available here.
|
|
|
The 2023 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo will be held May 1-4 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California. Throughout the four-day event, attendees will gain valuable insight into strategies to drive economic and environmental sustainability from more than two hundred expert speakers representing fleet operators and executives from leading commercial vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, infrastructure, and clean fuel providers.
The agenda will highlight low- and zero-emission fleet case studies, financial incentives to improve the total cost of ownership for advanced clean vehicles, climate and environmental policies, and the accelerated development of zero-emission infrastructure, as well as technology advancements with battery technology, charging infrastructure, biofuels, hydrogen, autonomous vehicles and more.
Register now, and view the agenda here.
|
|
|
The inaugural CO.MOBILITY Summit, hosted by The Company Lab, will take place May 9-11 at the University Center at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and will offer a unique opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest advancements in electric and autonomous vehicles, SmartCity innovations, freight technology, and more. With a dynamic lineup of experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators, attendees will have the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside the best in the business. The conference agenda and registration are available here.
|
|
|
Tennessee Environmental Network Show of the South |
The Tennessee Environmental Network Show of the South (TENSOS) will be held May 10-12 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Over the three-day event, TENSOS will host an elite group of environmental professionals seeking to exchange knowledge and share ideas about environmental concerns in Tennessee and across the Southeast region. TDEC Commissioner David Salyers will open the event on May 10th and participate in a Data Quality and Scientific Integrity session.
Breakout sessions will cover a wide range of environmental topics and will include TDEC OEP Director Molly Cripps and Deputy Director of Programs Alexa Voytek, who will speak on transportation electrification across multiple use cases and applications. Additional energy-focused breakout sessions will discuss advancements in nuclear energy, opportunities for energy storage, the economic case for hydrogen, and a discussion of propane in transportation.
The conference schedule is available online, and interested attendees can register here.
|
|
|
|
UPCOMING FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES |
|
| | TN Department of Health Healthy Built Environment Funding Opportunity |
|
|
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) has appropriated $900,000 to fund approximately 18 projects that advance health equity by creating or supporting a healthy built environment. The goal of this grant is to serve historically underserved populations, engage the target community, and work to promote the inclusivity of individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. Eligible planning projects include greenways, sidewalks, bikeways, or multi-modal transportation master plans. Both government and non-profit entities are eligible to apply, and only one application per entity is allowed.
Applicants must identify a target community where built environment improvements can advance health equity. TDH has pre-identified census tracts in the 60th percentile of the 2018 Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A map with this data can be accessed at http://tn.gov/SVImap. Target communities of built environment projects must be in one of the highlighted census tracts on the map.
The full request for applications can be found here, and applications are due May 10.
|
|
|
U.S. DOT Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program |
U.S. DOT is now accepting applications through its Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program. This multi-billion-dollar program will fund EV charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure in communities across the country and along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways.
Established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program will provide $2.5 billion over five years to a wide range of applicants, including states, cities, counties, local governments, and tribes. The CFI Discretionary Grant Program builds on the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, for which the Federal Highway Administration recently published finalized minimum standards.
This first round of funding makes up to $700 million from Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 funding available to strategically deploy EV charging and other alternative vehicle-fueling infrastructure projects in publicly accessible locations in urban and rural communities, as well as along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs).
To support the CFI Discretionary Grant Program, the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation has published some new resources on DriveElectric.gov, including the Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) CFI Emissions Tool, which can be used to assess estimated emissions reductions from EV charging infrastructure and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated AFCs.
Applications are due through Grants.gov on May 30.
|
|
|
|
| Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation |
|
|
Proposals for the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation’s 2023 Community Grants program are being accepted through May 31. Local bicycle clubs, community bicycle programs, and other not-for-profit and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that promote bicycling as a safe and healthy form of transportation. Projects originating at the grassroots community level have the highest probability of funding.
See the list of recipients funded in 2022 to get an idea of the diversity of projects considered eligible for funding under the Community Grants program. Grant applications and additional information are available here.
|
|
|
The Company Lab’s Sustainable Mobility Accelerator Program |
The Company Lab, a nonprofit startup business incubator in Chattanooga, announced its new Sustainable Mobility accelerator program will start this May with a focus on finding equitable ways to move people, goods, energy, and data.
Here are some industries in this space that The Company Lab supports:
|
- Electric vehicles + infrastructure
- Autonomous vehicles + infrastructure
- Freight logistics
- Urban planning
- Smart traffic solutions
- Automotive battery technology
- Quantum technology
|
Learn more about The Company Lab and available resources here.
|
|
|
|
U.S. Joint Office Issues Notice of Intent for Ride and Drive Electric Funding Opportunity |
The U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation released a Notice of Intent (NOI) to issue a funding opportunity for its Ride and Drive Electric research and development program. This program will help address discrete barriers toward realizing a convenient, accessible, and equitable EV charging network through focused investment in EV charging reliability, resiliency, equity, and workforce development. This funding opportunity aims to advance research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) in several areas critical to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, including reduction of weight and cost of batteries, reduction in life cycle emissions of advanced lightweight materials, reduced costs, and advanced technologies for both on- and off-road vehicle charging and infrastructure, innovative public transit solutions, and training to increase deployment of these technologies among diverse communities. Click here to access the full NOI.
|
|
|
IRS Updates Clean Vehicle Tax Credit Requirements |
The IRS recently released updated guidance that clarifies provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) regarding EVs eligible for the full $7,500 tax credit. The changes, beginning April 18, will reduce the number of models eligible for incentives due to requirements for domestic manufacturing and critical minerals until billions of new investments in U.S. manufacturing by automakers and suppliers kick in.
Newly-purchased clean vehicles delivered to consumers on or after
April 18 must meet critical mineral and battery component requirements to qualify for the credit, even if the vehicle was purchased prior to that date. Additional information is available in the Fact Sheet under Topic A, Q6.
Additionally, FuelEconomy.gov has developed a new tool through FuelEconomy.gov’s Tax Center to help consumers shop for clean vehicles eligible for these tax credits and help car buyers navigate the requirements. The website provides a simple calculator to help buyers determine the credit for pre-owned vehicles, provides information on claiming each of the credits, and answers frequently asked consumer questions.
|
|
|
U.S. DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office Transportation Fact of the Week |
According to the U.S. DOE Vehicle Technologies Office, the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 topped the list of new EVs registrations in 2022. All but two of the top 10 models have ranges of 300 miles or more, with the lowest model range being 247 miles. EVs are available in a variety of battery pack sizes and configurations that affect vehicle range, but all models that made the list had ranges over 200 miles.
Stay updated on weekly transportation facts from the U.S. DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office by subscribing to the newsletter.
|
|
|
For more information or to submit an idea for a future Monthly Transportation Edition, contact:
Audrey Jackson, Communications Officer TDEC Office of Energy Programs 615-917-6683 or audrey.jackson@tn.gov
OR
Alexa Voytek, Deputy Director, OEP Programs U.S. DOE State Energy Program / Innovation & Transportation / Communications TDEC Office of Energy Programs
615-613-1096 or alexa.voytek@tn.gov
OR
Mark Finlay, Senior Energy Analyst, TDEC Office of Energy Programs 615-772-6011 or mark.finlay@tn.gov
|
Acknowledgement: This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the State Energy Program Award Number DE-EE0009487
Disclaimer: This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails. View this email online.
|
312 Rosa L Parks Ave. | Nashville, TN 37243 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to . To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|