Tennessee awards 2.7 million dollars for 22 fast chargers across eight highway corridors

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has awarded approximately 2.7 million dollars in grants to install 22 direct current fast charging units at eight sites statewide, targeting highway segments identified as infrastructure gaps. Four grantees, PowerUp America, Shorepower Technologies, the Town of Thompson's Station and Universal EV, will deploy the chargers along corridors including the Fayetteville and Tullahoma areas. The funding comes from Tennessee's allocation of the Volkswagen Diesel Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust, marking the state's sixth competitive solicitation under the programme.

Why it matters: The awards fill identified gaps in Tennessee's fast charging network not covered by federal NEVI Formula Program buildout plans, creating procurement opportunities for four operators across previously underserved highway corridors. The Volkswagen settlement continues to fund state level charging infrastructure beyond federal programmes, offering an additional revenue stream for CPOs targeting rural and secondary routes.