Nashville, TN — Tennessee’s plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure may finally move forward after new federal guidance potentially clears the way for contracts that have been frozen since February. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is reviewing updated rules that could allow $21 million in contracts to be executed, part of a larger $88 million allocation under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program.
Contracts on Hold Since February
In January 2024, TDOT awarded $21 million to 10 applicants to install 30 EV charging locations along major interstates and Highway 64, which runs from Memphis to Pelham near Tennessee’s southern border. The plan was to equip each site with multiple charging ports. However, the contracts were not executed before the federal program was paused in February 2025 following an executive order by President Donald Trump to freeze federal grants supporting electric vehicles and clean energy (source).
Federal Guidance Offers a Path Forward
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy released interim guidance aimed at streamlining applications, giving states more flexibility, and reducing red tape. States now have 30 days to reapply for NEVI funding under the revised rules. TDOT Director Beth Emmons said the department “hopes to have a path forward with this program by the time the guidelines become official.”
While the new guidance removes several previous requirements—including serving rural or underserved communities, equitable distribution, minority- and women-owned business opportunities, and considerations for consumer protections or environmental siting—advocates argue it could accelerate deployment of EV chargers across the state.
Slow Federal Progress and State Initiatives
Deployment under NEVI has been slow nationwide, with less than 400 charging ports currently operational. Across 38 states that issued awards under earlier plans, only 16 have at least one operational station, with $544 million awarded in total.
To supplement the federal program, Tennessee has developed its Fast Charge TN program, funded through the Volkswagen Diesel Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust, TVA electricity revenues, and cost sharing from grant recipients. The program aims to install chargers every 50 miles along Tennessee interstates and highways. Under its first round, 35 sites are operational and 18 more are under development, creating a 400-mile loop connecting Nashville, Knoxville, Cookeville, and Chattanooga.
Industry Response and Controversy
The Charge Ahead Partnership, a coalition promoting nationwide EV charging networks, welcomed the federal guidance. Executive Director Jay Smith stated:
“The ultimate goal of the NEVI program is to expand the nation’s EV charging infrastructure, and these updated guidelines will make that outcome more likely.”
Conversely, environmental groups such as the Sierra Club criticized the guidance as unnecessary, arguing that it delays EV buildout while states must reapply for funds. Katherine Garcia, Director of Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All program, said:
“It’s ironic that this guidance was sold as cutting red tape, yet all it has accomplished is more than half a year of needless delay.”
Looking Ahead
The new guidance went into effect on August 13, and the Federal Highway Administration is accepting public comments through August 27. Tennessee officials are optimistic that the combination of federal and state programs will help the state expand its EV infrastructure efficiently and support the growth of the EV market, which has been bolstered by local manufacturing incentives.
What are your thoughts on Tennessee’s EV charging expansion and federal guidance? Let us know in the comments.
