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Speaker Presentations

The 2024 Drive Electric Tennessee Momentum Summit was held on May 9, 2024, in the MTSU Student Union Ballroom.

On May 9, 2024, the Drive Electric Tennessee initiative hosted the second annual DriveElectricTN Momentum Summit at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN. The Momentum Summit focused exclusively on transportation electrification efforts including workplace charging, economic and environmental benefits, and workforce/manufacturing efforts in the EV industry across Tennessee.

Registration is closed, and an event agenda is available below! Please submit any questions to alex@driveelectrictn.org.

Conference Schedule

Session titles, descriptions, and panelist announcements are available below. A full conference agenda is available here.

Special Sessions

DET Roadmap 2.0

Time: 9:05 am – 9:15 am
Speaker: Molly Cripps, TN Department of Environment & Conservation

Join us for the opportunity to provide feedback for the DET Roadmap Refresh!

Keynote

Time: 9:15 am – 9:40 am
Speaker: Loren McDonald, EVAdoption

EV Momentum Recognition

Time: 4:30 pm – 4:50 pm
Speaker: Jonathan Overly, ETCleanFuels

General Sessions

Tennessee’s EV Industry – Economic Perspectives

Explore the electrifying growth of Tennessee’s electric vehicle (EV) industry and its significant impact on the state’s economy. This panel will delve into how the surge in electric transportation investments has fueled nearly 200,000 job creations, marking a major shift towards a sustainable and prosperous future. Join us as we discuss the current landscape, future opportunities, and the role of the EV sector in ensuring a clean, affordable, and prosperous future for all Tennesseans. Engage with industry leaders to understand the economic perspectives that drive Tennessee’s EV momentum.

Time: 9:40 am – 10:50 am
Moderator: Cortney Piper, TAEBC
Panelists:

Sheronda Green, BlueOvalSk
David Green, University of Tennessee
Chris Boehm, GM

Propelling the EV Transition: Rebates, Incentives, and Tax Credits

Dive into the world of EV tax breaks and incentives that are shaping Tennessee’s electric vehicle revolution. This panel will offer insights into the array of federal incentives currently available, guiding both individuals and businesses on how to leverage tax credits for electric vehicles and infrastructure. Learn about the pivotal role these incentives play in continuing Tennessee’s trajectory towards an electric-forward state, and how they open doors for all Tennesseans to participate in and benefit from the shift to electric transportation. Discover the keys to unlocking financial benefits and driving forward a sustainable future.

Time: 11:00 am – 12:10 am
Moderator: Chasity Hobby, KUB
Panelists:

Mark Finlay, TN Department of Environment & Conservation
Brandon Wagoner, MTE
Robert Cole, Knoxville Electric Vehicle Association
Susan Steffenhagen, Milepost Consulting

Training Tennessee’s Workforce for EVs

Tennessee’s electric vehicle (EV) sector is booming, driven by significant investments in battery manufacturing, automotive OEMs, EVSE providers, and more. This explosive growth has generated 190,000 jobs in recent years, with the promise of more on the horizon. This panel will spotlight the burgeoning economic opportunities within Tennessee’s EV industry, inviting attendees to explore how they can actively participate in the electric revolution. Discover the pathways to joining this dynamic field that not only promises a vibrant career but also positions Tennessee as a leader in the sustainable future of transportation.

Time: 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm
Moderator: Dr. Tony Millican, Motlow State
Panelists:

Sam Wills, TN Department of Economic & Community Development
Dr. Rebecca Ashford, Chattanooga State
Victoria Hirschberg, UT System
Dr. Joy Rich, Nissan North America

Breakout Sessions

Accelerating Rural EVSE Deployment

Addressing the urban-rural divide in electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) deployment, this panel focuses on the concerted efforts to extend the benefits of electric transportation to rural Tennessee. DriveElectricTN, alongside numerous partners, is dedicated to ensuring that rural communities are not left behind in the electric vehicle revolution. Panelists will discuss current initiatives and future plans aimed at providing rural Tennesseans with the infrastructure and resources needed to embrace electric vehicles fully. Learn about the strategies being implemented to ensure that electric transportation technologies meet the diverse needs of rural communities, paving the way for an inclusive, electrified future.

Time: 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
Moderator: Chase Milner, First Tennessee Development District
Panelists:

Dr. Pingen Chen, Tennessee Tech University
Barry Flood, Paris BPU
Amanda Rogers, US ROUTES

The Next Great Challenge for Charging – Workplace and Multi-family

As the EV charging network expands rapidly across public spaces and private homes, attention turns to the unique hurdles of workplace and multi-family dwelling installations. This panel explores the specific challenges faced by those without access to at-home charging solutions, emphasizing the importance of workplace charging facilities and the complexities of deploying EVSE in multi-family residences. Discover the innovative approaches and collaborative efforts underway to address permitting, building management, and accessibility issues. Join us to understand the strategies being developed to ensure that all Tennesseans have convenient access to EV charging options, paving the way for a fully electrified mobility future.

Time: 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
Moderator: Jared Combs, CDE Lightband
Panelists:

Jake Fischer, Kimley-Horn
Lindsey Ganson, Vanderbilt University
Becky Williamson, MLGW

Mini-Sessions

Grid Perspectives

Amidst the growing electrification of transportation in Tennessee, questions loom about the capacity and resilience of the state’s power grid to support an influx of electric vehicles (EVs). This discussion aims to address public and business concerns, dispelling myths and providing updates on current and future initiatives to enhance grid robustness. Engage with experts who will shed light on the infrastructure upgrades, technological innovations, and strategic planning in place to ensure Tennessee’s grid is well-equipped for a fully electrified future. Learn about the collaborative efforts to maintain a reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy network for all Tennesseans.

Time: 2:30 pm – 2:50 pm
Moderator: Lance Irwin, 7 States Power Corporation
Panelist: Drew Frye, TVA

The Environmental Benefits of EVs

In the ever-expanding universe of information on electric vehicles (EVs), distinguishing fact from fiction about their environmental impact is crucial. This is a discussion dedicated to clarifying the true environmental benefits of electric transportation within Tennessee. Experts will present factual insights and real-life data demonstrating how EVs contribute to a more sustainable future. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the reduced emissions, improved air quality, and conservation of natural resources associated with electric transportation, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting the role of EVs in fostering a thriving, eco-friendly Tennessee.

Time: 2:50 pm – 3:10 pm
Moderator: Danniel Siksay, East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition
Panelist: Kent Minault, Sierra Club

Events

Area Hotels

There is no hotel block for this event. Please see below for available hotels near the conference site.

Hotel	Address	Phone	Est. Distance from MTSU
Holiday Inn Express Murfreesboro Central	165 Chaffin Pl, Murfreesboro, TN 37129	(615) 849-9000	5.4 miles
Embassy Suites Nashville SE Murfreesboro	1200 Conference Center Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129	(615) 890-4464	8.5 miles
Hampton Inn & Suites Murfreesboro	325 N Thompson Ln, Murfreesboro, TN 37129	(615) 890-2424	5.5 miles
Hyatt Place Murfreesboro	2108 Lothric Wy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129	(615) 995-7920	6 miles
Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Murfreesboro	1850 Old Fort Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129	(615) 895-5555	5 miles
Comfort Suites	226 N Thompson Ln, Murfreesboro, TN 37129	(615) 869-0950	5.5 miles
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Murfreesboro	175 Chaffin Pl, Murfreesboro, TN 37129	(615) 849-1150	5.2 miles
Hilton Garden Inn Murfreesboro	1335 Conference Center Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129	(615) 225-2345	8.5 miles
Candlewood Suites Murfreesboro	850 N Thompson Ln, Murfreesboro, TN 37129	(615) 617-3075	5.7 miles
Wingate by Wyndham Murfreesboro	118 Westgate Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37128	(615) 640-9900	4.3 miles