Pogue Creek Canyon and Window Cliffs State Natural Areas

TDEC recently announced the availability of two solar-powered, non-grid-tied electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for EV drivers to utilize free-of-charge at Pogue Creek Canyon’s Astronomy Field and the Window Cliffs State Natural Area trailhead. The EV chargers, donated to TDEC by TVA, will allow visitors to the State Natural Areas in Fentress and Putnam Counties to charge their vehicles in locations where the existing electric power grid could not support standard chargers.

Henderson

Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, TDEC, TVA, and Seven States Power Corporation recently held a ribbon-cutting for a new EV fast charging site with two fast chargers at the Freed Hardeman University Bulliner-Clayton Visual Arts Center as part of the Fast Charge TN Network.

Madison

Nashville Electric Service and TVA recently unveiled a new EV fast charging site with two fast chargers at Serra Chevrolet Buick GMC in Madison, the first of five planned sites in Metro Nashville as part of an EV Charging Pilot partnership. The initiative aims to complement the broader efforts of the National Electric Highway Coalition, which seeks to enable long-distance EV travel by placing fast chargers along interstates and major highways throughout the U.S.

Hanon Systems, a supplier of thermal and energy management solutions for the automotive industry, announced an investment of $170 million in a new manufacturing facility in Loudon County. Upon completion, the new operation will supply thermal solutions for electrified mobility to automakers serving the North American market and is expected to create 600 new jobs in Huntington Park.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development recently announced the rollout of the Transportation Network Growth Opportunity Initiative (TNGO). This initiative, which received initial funding from the Tennessee General Assembly during the 2023 legislative session, serves as a tool to diversify the state’s economy by leveraging research and innovation assets to attract mobility research and development (R&D) investment to Tennessee. The mission of TNGO is to make Tennessee the number one destination for mobility R&D investment in the Southeast by organizing and deploying statewide research and industry assets to connect, compute, power, and fuel the future. 

U.S. DOE awarded Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) funding for two projects to drive innovation in lithium-ion battery rejuvenation, recycling, and reuse. Administered through the ReCell Center at Argonne National Laboratory, these initiatives aim to address the challenges of lithium-ion battery scrap that is expected to enter the market in the coming decade.

One project, the Cost Competitive Process of Battery Grade Oxides Preparation from Aged Lithium-ion Batteries, will feature ORNL and Nth Cycle working to selectively precipitate metal hydroxides from aged cathode materials. The goal of the project will be to recover metal hydroxide precipitates for use in manufacturing lithium-ion batteries.

The second project, Isolation and Conversion of Electrolyte Components into Value-Added Products, will involve ORNL and Austin Elements recycling electrolytes from end-of-life batteries. This project aims to reduce environmental hazards, understand the fundamental differences between pristine and recycled electrolyte components, and effectively separate value-added products.

Rhythmos, a software developer and provider of optimization solutions, recently announced it would work with the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) to deploy a mobility and utility network management platform. A collaborative demonstration project with TVA and the Electric Power Research Institute’s Incubatenergy Labs program, this effort aims to tap into data from 250,000 advanced metering infrastructure meters to provide KUB with energy network management to optimize EV charging capabilities.

KUB will be the first utility system to implement this predictive analytics software solution to provide data such as EV detection, charging characterization, day-ahead forecasting, and transformer loading. This data offers visibility into the electric grid and will allow KUB to identify, quantify forecast, and control EV charging needs to minimize grid impact. The data can also inform operational planning, procurement, and rate design. 

Tennessee Tech University and Tennessee Clean Fuels are actively welcoming fleets interested in testing a medium-duty all-electric step van for their organizational operations. The Medium-Duty eTruck Pilot Project is a federally-funded testbed initiative that offers the opportunity for Tennessee fleets to test the all-electric Xos FXSV01 at no cost to evaluate how it performs within their operations. Participating fleets will be able to trial the vehicle for up to one month and will be provided with Level 2 charging infrastructure at no cost.

Fleets will provide information and feedback to the project team on successes and challenges related to driving and charging the vehicle, as well as utilization data, and will receive valuable insight into how an EV can be the right fit for their organization. Interested fleets are encouraged to complete the form linked here. For more information or for answers to any questions, please contact Mark.Finlay@tn.gov.

The Tennessee Volunteer Emission Reduction Strategy (TVERS) is an emissions reduction plan currently being developed by TDEC with support from various partners. TDEC has developed a survey to collect input from stakeholders and the public about emission reduction priorities, current actions, and concerns. The TVERS survey should take less than ten minutes to complete and is open until November 15.

The development of the plan is funded under the EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program, established by the Inflation Reduction Act. Through this program, funding will be provided to states, local governments, air pollution control agencies, tribes, and territories to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants. Watch the TVERS kickoff webinar to learn more about the plan.

The Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TAEBC) will host its annual Opportunities in Energy event on November 15 from 9:30 AM until 5:00 PM Eastern at The Standard in Knoxville. This all-day event invites members and stakeholders to hear about new and innovative opportunities in the advanced energy sector, including trends, businesses, technologies, partnerships, and initiatives.

A keynote panel will discuss the evolution of the automotive industry in Tennessee with former Senator and Governor Lamar Alexander and former Governor and current Founding Chairman of Silicon Ranch Corporation and Clearloop, Phil Bredesen. Marianne Wanamaker, dean of UT-Knoxville’s Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, will moderate the discussion.

Additionally, in a separate panel, workforce development working group members from TEAM TN, a National Science Foundation-funded initiative, will discuss Tennessee’s workforce development needs and strengths, how to scale up, best practices, and more. TEAM TN seeks to place Tennessee in the vanguard of transportation electrification and digitization while reducing reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a more equitable transportation system.

At the event, TAEBC will present a state or local leader with the annual Thomas B. Ballard Advanced Energy Leadership Award. The award honors exemplary leadership and success in championing, connecting, and strengthening Tennessee’s advanced energy economy. Register here.

The Tennessee Smart Mobility Expo will take place December 5-6 at the Music City Center in Nashville, presented by  TennSMART in partnership with the State (TDEC, TDOT, and TNECD) and Tennessee Clean Fuels. The Expo is a showcase of the technology research and development occurring in the Volunteer State, from the latest on EV charging and grid security to vehicle-to-infrastructure technology and freight logistics. This year, the Smart Mobility Expo has joined with the Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Forum & Expo. The joint event aims to promote greater networking and educational opportunities for mobility stakeholders.

The Expo is a forum for everyone, from transportation leaders to breakthrough founders, to connect and collaborate on the future of mobility in Tennessee and beyond. With thought-provoking sessions, tech demonstrations, and a custom indoor test track with the latest EVs—including many built in Tennessee—the Expo celebrates the state’s position as an automotive manufacturing giant and generator of smart mobility solutions.

Register now and learn more at tnsmartmobilityexpo.com. Sessions will include updates from leaders in State and local government, academic research, and manufacturing from across Tennessee.  Speakers and panel sessions will be announced in the coming weeks.

Those interested in sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities at the event should contact Sara Pruneski at sara@hallstrategies.com.

Funding under this program may be used to address the conversion of manufacturing facilities to expand the domestic production capability of EVs, components, and materials in the U.S. Eligible entities include institutions of higher education, for-profit entities, nonprofit entities, and state and local governmental entities and Indian tribes. View the funding opportunity announcement for additional information. Concept papers are due November 1, and full applications are due January 9, 2024.

Automotive Manufacturing Conversion Loans

U.S. DOE announced $10 billion for Automotive Manufacturing Conversion Projects under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program. Automotive Manufacturing Conversion Projects eligible under the program include manufacturing facility projects for eligible vehicles or qualifying components, including projects to build new facilities; reequip, modernize, or expand existing facilities; and for engineering integration performed in the U.S. related to the manufacturing of eligible vehicles or components.

Potential applicants can contact the U.S. DOE Loan Program Office directly for no-fee, no-commitment consultations about the project before applying by contacting atvmloan@hq.doe.gov.

TDOT and TDEC have released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for grant funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program funded Tennessee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (TEVI) Program. Awardees will purchase, install, own, operate, maintain, and report on Program-funded EV charging infrastructure throughout the state of Tennessee. 

Applications in response to this NOFO are due no later than Wednesday, November 1, at 5:00 PM Central. 

An informational application webinar was recently held; view the recording of the webinar here. For more information on the application process and program requirements, please visit the TDOT TEVI Program website. Questions regarding the NOFO may be submitted to TDOT.TEVI@tn.gov and will be addressed on the website in the FAQs section.

U.S. DOT is offering technical assistance, planning, and capacity building support from the Thriving Communities Program (TCP) Capacity Builders to assist in competing for federal aid and delivering quality infrastructure projects that enable communities and neighborhoods to thrive. The call for letters of interest is intended for teams of community partners that may lack the staffing or technical expertise to scope, fund, and develop infrastructure projects that advance broader community goals.

TCP will provide two years of deep-dive assistance and three years of facilitated peer learning support to selected communities to help them plan and develop a pipeline of comprehensive transportation, housing, and community revitalization activities. Learn more about eligible applicants and partnership requirements on the TCP Technical Assistance website. Applicants must identify community partners and submit letters of interest by November 15. 

U.S. DOT recently released a funding opportunity announcement for the establishment of a Climate and Transportation Research Initiative, to be funded at $2.5 million for the first year. The funding will support a partnership between U.S. DOT, a university or nonprofit, and at least one partner organization to conduct research advancing solutions to U.S. climate and transportation challenges.

U.S. DOT seeks proposals focused on advancing research and technologies that support goals to decarbonize the transportation sector by 2050, strengthen the resilience of the U.S. transportation infrastructure, and address adverse environmental impacts created by the transportation system.

U.S. DOT will hold an informational webinar on October 27 from 2:30 to 4:00 PM Eastern. Applications are due November 27.

Tennessee Clean Fuels announced the launch of the EMPOWER TN Workplace Charging assistance program. The program can provide up to $2,000 in no-cost technical assistance and consulting to assist workplaces with implementing EV charging through funding from the U.S. DOE Vehicle Technologies Office. The first round will allow for 24 workplaces to participate.

Available assistance includes:

Complete the interest survey to get started. Additional workplace charging guidance is available on the EMPOWER TN Workplace Charging website, including the newly released Drive Electric Tennessee Workplace Charging Guide, which covers how employers can get started on a workplace charging plan.

Under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), EPA is offering funding assistance to accelerate the upgrade, retrofit, and turnover of legacy diesel fleets to address diesel emissions and protect public health and air quality.

The DERA program promotes an array of diesel emissions strategies by working with manufacturers, fleet operators, air quality professionals, environmental and community organizations, and state and local officials to address the varying priorities of different regions and sectors.

Eligible applicants include:

Find information on eligible activities, vehicles, and equipment on EPA’s DERA website. View the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information. Applications are due December 1.

EPA recently announced the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, which anticipates awarding at least $500 million in funding. Eligible applicants can apply to receive funding for the purchase of up to 25 zero-emission and/or clean school buses, along with charging infrastructure and eligible workforce development costs. Selectees may also be eligible for tax credits, such as the Clean Vehicle tax credit, applicable to their bus and infrastructure purchases.

Eligible applicants include:

EPA is prioritizing applications that will replace buses serving high-need local education agencies and rural areas, view the detailed list of prioritized school districts here. EPA will host information webinars on the program through January 2024; view the list of upcoming webinars here. Applications are due January 31, 2024.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently released a new web-based data platform, Fleet Research, Energy Data, and Insights (FleetREDI). The secure online portal is designed to give industry and government partners access to high-resolution, anonymized commercial vehicle data. The dashboard, which is updated weekly, allows users to examine the duty cycles of vehicles by weight class and use case, download graphs and data of summary statistics, and request further analysis to determine if fleets can be powered by battery-electric alternatives.

The U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has recently updated two EV factsheets to raise awareness of the basics of EVs. The first factsheet, At a Glance: Electric Vehicles, explains what an EV is, how to charge an EV, costs for EVs, and what maintenance can be expected. The second, more detailed factsheet, titled Electric Vehicle Basics, looks at the types and models of commercially available EVs, charging equipment, more detailed EV costs of ownership, and more.

Visit the TDEC Office of Energy Programs Website at http://www.tn.gov/environment/energy.

Past Monthly Newsletters: 

September 2023

August 2023

July 2023

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.