Tennessee is turning Volkswagen’s deceptions into charging stations for electric cars.
The automaker publicly admitted in 2015 that it had secretly and deliberately installed software designed to cheat emissions tests and deceive federal and state regulators in about 590,000 vehicles from 2009 to 2016. The U.S. Department of Justice sued Volkswagen and won a settlement of $14.9 billion.
Some of that money was awarded this week to Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) to install fast-charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. The funding came from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) from a total of $5.2 million awarded to 12 entities.
“We are glad we can put these funds to use in ways that serve all motorists with electric vehicles,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. “We are rapidly moving toward more electric vehicles on our roads, and this is a way to stay ahead of that demand.”
The 12 entities will fund 32 charging units at 13 sites. All of them are intended to help TDEC and the Tennessee Valley Authority establish the Fast Charge TN Network. The program plans a network of fast-charging stations every 50 miles along Tennessee’s interstates and major highways.
“Electrification of transportation is critical to help our nation achieve its energy security and decarbonization goals,” said Jeff Lyash, TVA president and CEO. “Today, thanks to Governor [Bill] Lee and TDEC, our region is the nation’s epicenter for [electric vehicle] technology and manufacturing, and this grant demonstrates how we can move the Tennessee Valley further and faster, together, to make a cleaner future a reality.”
MLGW said the new stations will bolster its existing network of more than 100 public charging stations throughout Shelby County. The utility did not say where the new stations would be installed, only that the grants are for areas “along prioritized interstate or major highway corridors across the state.”
“Together, we will expand public access to convenient, fast EV charging, alleviating fears of range anxiety and making EV charging a more visible activity, so that when residents and businesses consider their next vehicle purchase, they also consider electric vehicle options,” said J.T. Young, MLGW president and CEO. “MLGW is grateful to TDEC for this funding opportunity, and we look forward to operating fast-charging sites that serve Shelby County residents, businesses, and travelers.”