Transportation Electrification in Tennessee

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the transportation sector is the largest energy consuming end-use sector in Tennessee, representing 31.6% of Tennessee’s total energy consumption in 2022. To address this critical energy sector, the State of Tennessee supports transportation electrification and other alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. Further, State action taken to support transportation electrification recognizes diverse vehicle applications, users, and markets, where possible.

Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and associated charging infrastructure deployment reduces energy costs within the transportation sector, increases the energy efficiency of the transportation sector, enhances resiliency and emergency preparedness through diversification of available fuels, and promotes economic growth with improved environmental quality. By promoting diverse transportation electrification initiatives and sectors, the State can ensure that these benefits are accessible to all Tennesseans. This page contains links and resources to information on EVs, charging infrastructure, and other transportation electrification activities in Tennessee.

To receive information on EVs, energy, and other transportation stories, sign up for the TDEC Office of Energy Programs mailing list. For an assessment of EVs registered in Tennessee, including a breakdown of EV registrations by vehicle model, county, and year-over-year growth, visit Atlas Public Policy's State EV Registration Data Hub. This hub is updated each quarter for Tennessee, using EV registration data provided by the TN Department of Revenue.

EVs and Economic

Other EV Resources

Drive Electric Tennessee

Drive Electric Tennessee stakeholders are working together to develop a shared vision for electric transportation in the state, including ongoing work on Awareness, Policies and Programs, and Infrastructure projects for increased EV adoption in Tennessee.

Fast Charge TN Network

Additional EV charging infrastructure is needed on highway corridors to relieve range anxiety and to connect rural and urban areas. This webpage, maintained by TDEC OEP, describes public and private investment efforts toward supporting a statewide EV corridor charging network.

VW Settlement EMT Light Duty Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment

Under the VW Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust, the State will fund the acquisition and installation of EV charging infrastructure for light duty vehicle applications. Project solicitations first opened in fall 2021.

Electric Vehicles and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

TVA launched its own website, tools, and resources to promote EV awareness. Visitors to their new site can become informed about today’s EV models and offerings, compare EV cost of ownership with other non-EVs, find charging stations, and learn about relevant events and resources.

Southeast Regional EV Information Exchange

The Southeast Regional EV Information Exchange first met in 2020 for State Energy Offices across the region to share information and identify potential areas for collaboration on EV infrastructure planning, education and outreach, policy development, and program implementation.

TN Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (TEVI)

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, or BIL) includes a total of up to $7.5 billion in dedicated funding to help make electric vehicle (EV) charging stations accessible to all Americans for local and long-distance trips. That funding includes a $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program that helps states create a network of EV charging stations along Alternative Fuel Corridors designated by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Tennessee Clean Fuels

Tennessee Clean Fuels (TCF) is the home of the U.S. DOE designated East and Middle-West Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalitions. TCF provides fleet management technical assistance on EVs, alternative fuels, and advanced vehicle technologies for the 21st century.

Energy in Transportation

TDEC OEP maintains a suite of resources and webpages on Energy in Transportation topics for Tennessee. This includes information on EVs and other alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies programs and projects.

All photos courtesy of TDEC staff, Drive Electric Tennessee, or Pixabay.com.