New Program Launch! Charging Smart Program

East Tennessee Clean Fuels Launches Charging Smart Program to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption Across Tennessee

East Tennessee Clean Fuels and Drive Electric TN are excited to announce the launch of the Charging Smart program in Tennessee. This program is designed by IREC to support communities across Tennessee in the equitable expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), this innovative program provides personalized, no-cost technical assistance and a nationally recognized designation system to help local governments align their policies with national best practices for EV adoption.

Get Involved: Charging Smart is currently available to select communities across the United States, with plans to expand nationally in the future. Interested local governments in Tennessee can learn more and express their interest in participating by filling out the interest form available here: https://forms.gle/YtXHUKoJ39EY39qTA.

The Charging Smart program is a game-changer for municipalities and communities aiming to remove barriers to EV adoption. By participating in the program, local governments can achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold designations based on their commitment to EV-friendly policies and infrastructure. These designations not only bring national recognition but also signal to the public and potential investors that their community is open to EVs and ready to support the growing demand for clean transportation options.

How the Charging Smart Program Works:

Charging Smart offers a structured pathway for communities to enhance their EV infrastructure through a set of criteria organized into six key categories:

1. Planning: Establishing a policy environment and community-wide vision supportive of EV adoption.
2. Regulation: Updating zoning, planning documents, and building codes to enable seamless integration of EV charging infrastructure.
3. Utility Engagement: Building collaborative relationships between local governments and utilities to unlock programs, rates, and investments that accelerate EV adoption.
4. Education and Incentives: Providing public education, outreach programs, and financial incentives to stimulate consumer awareness and enthusiasm for EVs.
5. Government Operations: Leading by example through actions local governments can take within their own assets and resources.
6. Shared Mobility: Accelerating electrification across public transit fleets, rideshare services, and other modes of transportation serving the public.

Additionally, the program offers an “EVs for All” incentive, which allows municipalities to earn extra points by focusing on serving disadvantaged populations, ensuring that the benefits of EV adoption are inclusive and accessible to all.

Local governments interested in participating can earn points by completing specific criteria within these categories. Once a community accumulates enough points, it can achieve a Bronze, Silver, or Gold designation, demonstrating its commitment to advancing EV infrastructure.

Get Involved: Charging Smart is currently available to select communities across the United States, with plans to expand nationally in the future. Interested local governments in Tennessee can learn more and express their interest in participating by filling out the interest form available here: https://forms.gle/YtXHUKoJ39EY39qTA.