A new, multi-year plan will electrify roads from Chicago to Orlando, and from Richmond to West Texas.
Six major utilities formed the Electric Highway Coalition earlier this month for a network of charging stations along roads in 16 states in the South and parts of the Midwest. The coalition includes American Electric Power, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Entergy Corp., Southern Co., and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
The plan strives for a “seamless network” of DC, fast-charging stations to travel greater distances without the worry of “range anxiety,” or the fear of a low car battery with no close charger. Coalition members are working now to set locations for charging stations. Those sites will be along major highway routes with easy access and amenities, it said. The chargers for the station will be capable of getting drivers back on the road within 20-30 minutes.
“Together, we can power the electric road trip of tomorrow by ensuring seamless travel across a large region of the U.S.,” said TVA president and CEO Jeff Lyash. “This is one of many strategic partnerships that TVA is building to increase the number of electric vehicles to well over 200,000 in the Tennessee Valley by 2028.”
The coalition announcement comes after TVA teamed up with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to develop and fund a fast-charging network across Tennessee’s highways and interstates.
In mid-November, the TVA board approved a new commercial rate structure just for electric vehicle charging stations. The vote was intended to support the expansion of EV charging infrastructure across the region, removing a big barrier for consumers to, perhaps, buy more electric vehicles.
Together, we can power the electric road trip of tomorrow by ensuring seamless travel across a large region of the U.S.
TVA president and CEO Jeff Lyash
TVA is also building partnerships with a number of agencies to increase the amount of electric vehicles in its seven-state service area. The push could bring up to $40 million in programs to support the adoption of electric vehicles over the next five years.
Lyash said electric vehicle adoption will spur economic activity, create jobs, keep refueling dollars in the local economy, reduce “the region’s largest source of carbon emissions,” and save money for drivers and businesses.
“Tennessee is on the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution thanks to its robust automotive manufacturing sector, supply chain capabilities, its highly trained workforce ,and its commitment to developing a reliable, fast-charging network,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. “TVA’s participation in this coalition is a critical step in ensuring Tennessee’s fast charging network connects regionally and nationally, providing efficient transportation for future travelers while improving air quality in our state.”
