Charging stations rolling out across Tennessee to support growing number of EV drivers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee’s goal in supporting more electric vehicles is making progress with the recent unveiling of new fast charging stations across the state. However, some EV drivers say there is still work to be done.

Promise Joe has driven her electric vehicle for about a year and told News 2 that while she’ll never go back to a gas car, she does have safety concerns while charging in public since it typically takes longer.

“If anything were to happen you can’t just drive off. You’re stuck in the car, so you’re done for, let me just put it that way,” said Joe.

Terrance Ragsdale, who drives an electric vehicle through a rental agreement with Uber, said fast charging still takes at least 30 minutes, if not longer, which can create long lines as EVs become more popular.

He added that vehicle chargers at public charging locations are not universal to all electric vehicles.

“One [universal] nozzle would be good. Different people have different problems with plugging in and with adapters and stuff like that, but that’s a big problem too,” said Ragsdale.

EV driver Anna Kemp told News 2 she bought her electric vehicle because of high gas prices, and the cost of an electric vehicle was cheaper than the hybrid and gas cars she was interested in.

“I charge my car at home on a Level 1 charger and it’s ready with a full battery the next morning, explained Kemp. “The only drawback is the lack of charging infrastructure in Tennessee. I don’t go on many long trips, so it’s not a problem most of the time, but it’s difficult to plan longer trips across the state.”

The Tennessee Valley Authority and the Department of Environmental Conservation hope to establish a statewide network of fast charging stations with the goal of serving 200,000 electric vehicles on Tennessee roads by 2028.

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