Thank you to all our members, stakeholders, partners, and sponsors for making the 2025 Momentum Summit a success!
Click on the image above to view a short recap video from the Momentum Summit.
The 2025 Drive Electric Tennessee Momentum Summit was on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the MTSU Student Union Ballroom.
Click here to view the Summit presentation slides.
Panel 1: EVs in Higher Education
Dr. Kevin Bai
Hua (Kevin) Bai received BS and PHD degree from Department of Electrical Engineering of Tsinghua University in 2002 and 2007, respectively. He joined Kettering University (former General Motor Institute) as an assistant professor in 2010, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) as associate professor in 2018, and currently Professor in UTK since 2024. His research interests include power electronics with motor drive systems, electric vehicle battery chargers, DC/DC converters and battery management systems. He is the author of 2 books, >150 IEEE papers and hold 11 industrial patents. He is meanwhile associate editors of SAE International Journal of Electrified Vehicles and associate editor of IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification.
Dr. Pingen Chen
Prof. Pingen Chen is currently an Associate Professor with Mechanical Engineering Department at Tennessee Tech University and the founding director of Automotive Powertrain and Emissions Control Laboratory (APECL) since 2016. Before joining Tennessee Tech, he was a controls and diagnostics senior engineer at the Cummins Technical Center for two years. Dr. Chen is the author or co-author of 75 peer-reviewed publications including 22 journal articles, 52 conference papers, and 1 patent. Dr. Chen’s research activities have been supported by U.S. Department of Energy, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Cummins Inc., Denso, and Nissan, with more than 11-million external funding. His research interests include hybrid and electric vehicle technologies and ecosystem development, automated and connected vehicles, energy-efficient mobility and building systems, battery recycling and reuse, internal combustion engine, aftertreatment systems, alternative/renewable fuels, and deployment of advanced vehicle technologies to serve the communities, particularly disadvantaged communities. Prof. Chen is a well-recognized researcher and educator. He is the recipient of the prestigious SAE Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award in 2021.
Dr. Subhash Jha
Dr. Jha is an Associate Professor of Marketing and George Johnson Research Fellow at the University of Memphis (UofM). He has earned two Ph.Ds. in Business Administration one from ICFAI Business School-Hyderabad- India and another from the University of Memphis-USA. He was the post-doctoral candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, working on the project of haptic imagery and information processing. He has 15 years of research leadership experience in academia. He has served as the PI on projects funded by the Tennessee State (e.g., Tennessee Highway Safety Organization). He has used a variety of methods to tackle research questions, including traditional surveys, laboratory and field experiments, computational linguistics, and cutting-edge physiological measures such as eye tracking, GSR, EEG and facial expression. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles. Using eye tracking tool, he has published a research paper titled “An eye-tracking study of attention to brand-identifying content and recall of taboo advertising” in one of the most reputed business journals (e.g., Journal of Business Research). He has tested the engagement levels of several impaired driving advertisements developed by THSO and NHTSA using biometrics tools. Further, he keeps solving the business problems in Memphis. For example, he has provided consultancy services to AutoZone, Service Master, My City Rides and St. Jude Children Hospital in Memphis. He is an Associate Editor of Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice.
Ryan Stanton
Mr. Ryan Stanton is the Sr. Project Manager for EV Evolution Initiative at TVA. Customer-focused and entrepreneurial problem solver. Passionate about all things technology and energy, especially electric vehicles, clean energy, and next-gen transportation. Ryan is currently leading EV-grid research and strategy for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Panel 2: EV Infrastructure Installation Insights
Mark Finlay
Mark Finlay is a Senior Energy Analyst with the TDEC Office of Energy Programs. Mark contributes to a number of OEP’s clean energy and energy in transportation programming efforts, including activities under the Middle-West Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition to support projects and initiatives to advance alternative fuels and clean transportation, as well as the design and implementation of various state and federal funding programs supporting clean energy and energy resilience. Mark joined TDEC in 2019 after earning both an M.P.A. from Syracuse University with a focus on Environmental Policy and Administration as well as an M.P.S. in Sustainable Energy from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Dawn Michelle Foster
Dawn Michelle Foster began with the City of Knoxville in 2012 and now serves as Deputy Director in the Office of Sustainability. The Department focuses on the major areas of emissions throughout the city. Based on greenhouse gas inventories, the office prioritizes projects and initiatives to drive down emissions both within City operations and community-wide. To support the City’s effort for EV adoption, Dawn Michelle facilitates the expansion and deployment of public electric vehicle charging stations focusing on equitable distribution to alleviate charging gaps where barriers may exist. She also manages the deployment of EV charging infrastructure to support the City’s EV Fleet. Additionally, Dawn Michelle oversees the solar rooftop installation of our public buildings and works closely with our federal and state regulatory agencies, LPCs and other community agencies to leverage funding to support programs that provide energy efficient and renewable energy to our residents and businesses.
Lance Irwin
Lance Irwin is the Vice President of Partnerships and Project Development for Seven States Power Corporation. He has 30 years’ experience in the energy industry. Lance joined Seven States from the Electric Power Board (EPB) of Chattanooga, where he most recently served as Director of Energy Solutions Technology. Prior to EPB, Irwin served as Director of Global Utility and Renewables Market Strategy at Schneider Electric, a multinational company providing energy and automation digital solutions. Lance has extensive experience developing and implementing forward-looking strategies and has worked with customers to find solutions that solve complex problems, add value, and grow their business. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in electrical and computer engineering and resides in Knoxville, TN.
Brandon Wagoner
Brandon Wagoner is the VP of Strategy Execution & Analytics, Middle Tennessee Electric. During Brandon’s twelve years at MTE, he has had the opportunity to serve in various departments, including Engineering, Key Accounts, and Strategy. Brandon enjoys studying data and creatively thinking about ways to be opportunistic with emerging technologies to benefit MTE’s membership. Brandon has a BS in Electrical Engineering, a Masters in Engineering Management, and is a licensed PE.
Panel 3: The Future of Electric & Hydrogen Fuels for Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles in Tennessee
Des Carlisle
Des serves as the Executive Director for the Southeast Hydrogen Energy Alliance (SHEA) where she collaborates with invested stakeholders from 10 different states to drive collaboration and innovation, increase education, and enable change and adoption in the hydrogen industry. Des has been integral to driving the relaunch of the SHEA organization, as she has brought the existing SHEA board and the Kimbro family together to spark a refreshed trajectory for the organization.
Des also serves as Chief of Staff at Kimbro Companies, where she leads multiple efforts to achieve business efficiencies while also keeping an eye on the market to identify potential new business ventures. Before joining Kimbro, Des began her career through a decade of experience at Southwestern Energy, where she held multiple roles in the organization. Des currently lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, and holds a BA in Energy Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of Oklahoma.
Adam Harrell
Adam Harrell has been in the commercial transportation space most of his career. He started with JB hunt and then Commercial Tires with Bridgestone and most recently with McNeilus selling the Volterra product specifically. Adam managed the Truckstop Channel (TA, Loves, Pilot) for Bridgestone and served on the board for NATSO for a year. They were heavily involved in planning for alternative charging infrastructure as it related to the truckstop market. With Bridgestone, he was also in charge of marketing for their most eco-friendly tire line up.
Dr. Philip Stuckey
Dr. Philip Stuckey is Founder and CEO of FC Renew, focused on research, development, and commercialization of extended-life hydrogen fuel cells: It’s Like an Oil Change for Your Fuel Cell. Stuckey has over 23 years of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell experience directly related to research, development, and intellectual property. With FC Renew, Stuckey is Principal Investigator for Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Awards from the National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and U.S. Army. FC Renew has expanded its services to include the purchase of end-of-life hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers for responsible recycling and recovery of critical materials and precious metals for hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers. FC Renew developed Fuel Cell Catalyst Lifetime Extension and Recycling (FC-CLEAR) system incorporating our holistic electrode approaches that reflect our dedication to commercialization within the fuel cell industry.
Alexa Voytek
Alexa is TDEC OEP’s Deputy Director of Programs, Innovation and Transportation, and Communications. Alexa serves as the Principal Investigator for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) State Energy Program, oversees OEP’s sustainable transportation and alternative fuels programming, and assists with the administration of a variety of funding sources, including the State of Tennessee’s initial allocation under the Volkswagen Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust, the State’s annual allocation under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Program, and the implementation of formula funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. Alexa also serves as the Coalition Director for U.S. DOE’s Clean Cities and Communities Middle-West Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition, through which she acts as a technical resource for fleets and individuals evaluating alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. Alexa is Co-Chair of the National Association for State Energy Officials’ (NASEO) Transportation Committee and also serves as the Governor’s designee to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Regional Energy Resource Council, which provides guidance on how TVA manages its energy resources against competing objectives and values. Alexa is also the Principal Investigator for the U.S. DOE Grid Resilience Formula Grant Program in Tennessee, funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The objective of this Program is to maintain and enhance the reliability and resilience of the electric grid, with the goal of minimizing the frequency and duration of power outages resulting from natural hazards. Since the passage of the IIJA and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), she has supported TDEC OEP with program design tied to the implementation of additional funding programs (e.g., Home Energy Rebate Programs, Solar for All, Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant Program, Revolving Loan Fund Capitalizations Grant Program, Training for Residential Energy Contractors, etc.). Prior to joining TDEC, Alexa interned with the UN Division for Sustainable Development and the U.S. Consulate in St. Petersburg, Russia. Most recently, Alexa served as Asst. Account Executive for the public relations firm Ketchum, Inc., where she was assigned to energy and technology related projects. Alexa holds an M.A. from Columbia University in Russian, Eastern European, Balkan, and Eurasian Studies and graduated summa cum laude from Duke University, with a B.A. in History and Russian Language / Area Studies.
Round-Robin Learning Sessions
DET Chapters/Chapter Development
KEVA, Drive Electric Nashville
DET Working Groups
ETCF, MWTCF
Electrification Support
Milepost
EV Advocacy
Sierra Club
EV Infrastructure Support
Seven States Power Corporation
Utility Sustainability Initiatives and Transportation Benefits
Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB)
Team TN
UTK Center for Transportation Research
Workforce Development
Motlow State Community College
Timeline for the conference listed below.
Session titles, descriptions, and times listed below.
DET Momentum Summit Conference Opening RemarksTime: 9:00am
Alleyn is a member of the U.S. Department of Energy-affiliated Clean Cities Coalitions partnership. In this role, he works to reduce transportation emissions and advance economic security in Virginia by reducing dependence on oil. Harned serves as the President of the Transportation Energy Partners Board of Directors and has served thrice as the Mid-Atlantic representative to the Clean Cities Coordinator Council.
Harned led the coalition through the completion of the 1200-vehicle Southeast Propane Autogas Development Project under the Recovery Act, Virginia’s 2010 Get Ready EV effort, and 2012 Richmond Electric Vehicle Initiative, and 2020 Mid-Atlantic Electrification Partnership. Alleyn supports incremental change and collaborative leadership.
Listen to Alleyn’s insights on transportation electrification by registering to attend the DET Momentum Summit! ⚡
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is a Conference Sponsor for the 2025 Momentum Summit.
TVA has been actively involved in Drive Electric TN efforts since the beginning and was the driving force behind pulling together over 100 participants in 2018 towards our collaborative development of the Tennessee “EV Roadmap.” Since that time, TVA has invested in DET to expand our understanding of the market barriers we face in Tennessee and how we can collectively work together to remove those barriers.
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Office of Energy Programs (TDEC OEP) is a Conference Partner of the 2025 Momentum Summit.
The TDEC-OEP is long-time partner and stakeholder who worked with TVA and East TN Clean Fuels to formulate the original Drive Electric TN Roadmap in 2018.
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville Institute for a Secure & Sustainable Environment (UTK ISSE) is the Badge Sponsor of the 2025 Momentum Summit.
AAA – The Auto Club Group is the EV Ride & Drive + Lunch Sponsor for the 2025 Momentum Summit.
Check out AAA’s comprehensive resource for EV owners at: https://ev.aaa.com/, and learn more about the Mobile EV charging pilot. The EV Mobile EV charging pilot is now available in 24 cities – including Nashville! This service is provided at no additional charge to all AAA members!
McNeilus is the Networking Break Sponsor of the 2025 Momentum Summit.
McNeilus is a leader in designing and manufacturing refuse truck bodies and is pioneering North America’s first fully integrated electric refuse collection vehicle — the Volterra ZSL. Certified zero-emission by the EPA and CARB, this cutting-edge electric side loader is set to transform the industry with unmatched innovation, sustainability, and cost savings.
ADS-TEC Energy is a Booth Sponsor for the 2025 Momentum Summit.
ADS-TEC Energy delivers cutting-edge, battery-based platform solutions for ultra-fast EV charging. Backed by comprehensive services and secure remote access to real-time operational data, our systems are built for performance, reliability, and long-term value. We’re committed to maximizing uptime and ensuring the lasting quality of every product we offer
Nacarato is the Networking Break Sponsor of the 2025 Momentum Summit.
Nacarato Truck Centers is a group of authorized Volvo Truck, Tico Terminal Tractor, and used semi truck dealerships and Service Centers serving the Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, Southern Kentucky, Maryland, Illinois, and Georgia areas with 47 Years in the trucking industry. Starting from a single dealership in Nasvhille, Tennessee, we have expanded to a 12 dealership group with the same moral principles that the dealership was founded on. Three generations of the Nacarato family have kept this dream alive and continue to steer this company to where we are today.
OpConnect is a Booth Sponsor of the 2025 Momentum Summit.
OpConnect delivers turnkey EV charging solutions tailored for fleets, workplaces, and multifamily properties. Our open-platform network supports multiple hardware brands, giving clients the flexibility to scale without vendor lock-in. With industry-leading uptime and end-to-end onshore support, OpConnect helps communities and organizations transition to electric transportation with confidence.
Pando Electric is a Booth Sponsor for the 2025 Momentum Summit.
Pando Electric is leading the way to a cleaner future with affordable, smart, and efficient charging solutions compatible with all-electric vehicles (EVs). The company delivers a turnkey ecosystem that integrates hardware, software, and service, creating a new standard in EV charging.
LightWave Solar is a Booth Sponsor of the 2025 Momentum Summit.
Serving the Tennessee Valley and Southeast region since 2006, LightWave Solar has been helping people meet their energy goals. Discover custom solar designs and installations that have the power to strengthen your home, business, organization, and community.
EATON is a Booth Sponsor of the 2025 Momentum Summit.
With a world-class portfolio of electric vehicle products and software and global expertise in electrical infrastructure development, Eaton is connecting the full EV ecosystem to drive advancements in technology and meet tomorrow’s challenges.
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 |
