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Newsletter Snapshot:
📢 Important Announcements:
💰 Funding Opportunities:
🗓️ Upcoming Events:
📰 Featured Article:
| | Join Us to Celebrate National Drive Electric Week (NDEM) Now through October 12! | | |
National Drive Electric Month (NDEM) runs from September 11 through October 12, 2026. This nationwide initiative highlights the benefits of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, bringing communities together to explore clean transportation options through hands-on events, ride-and-drives, and educational showcases.
Whether you are curious about charging at home, comparing used EV models, or looking to hear real-world experiences from local EV owners, NDEM events offer a welcoming, zero-pressure space to learn.
Find Events Near You:
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Official NDEM Website: Search the interactive event map at driveelectricmonth.org to find local gatherings across Tennessee.
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DET Social Media: Follow Drive Electric Tennessee on social media for real-time announcements, chapter updates, and spotlight posts on local events throughout the month! Links to our channels can be found at the bottom of this email.
| | TDEC Launches $650,000 Multifamily Housing Rebate Program for Level 2 EV Charging | | |
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Office of Energy Programs has launched the Multifamily Housing Rebate Program, offering $650,000 in Volkswagen Settlement funds to expand Level 2 EV charging infrastructure at residential properties with 4 or more units.
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Rebate Amounts: Covers 60% of eligible costs up to $10,000 per plug for affordable housing developments or locations in significantly burdened census tracts, and up to $6,000 per plug for all other eligible developments (minimum 2 plugs, maximum 10 plugs per site).
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Eligible Applicants: Property owners, property managers, HOAs, and authorized lessees.
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How to Apply: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a Rebate Reservation Request Worksheet before beginning work to reserve funds for up to 90 days.
Learn more, view eligibility details, and download reservation worksheets here.
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Still Time to Apply for the FTA's 2026 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Programs
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The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has released a joint Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) making $610 million in competitive grant funding available through the FY 2026 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Programs. This total pool combines $589 million from the Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant Program with $21 million from the Buses and Bus Facilities Program. Designed to help transit agencies modernize their fleets and infrastructure, the opportunity supports capital projects that replace, rehabilitate, or purchase U.S.-built transit buses, vans, and related equipment, as well as construct or update bus-related maintenance and charging facilities.
Eligible applicants include states, local governmental authorities operating fixed-route bus service, designated direct recipients, and Indian tribes. Projects incorporating zero-emission vehicles must assign 5% of their requested award toward workforce development and training as outlined in their required Zero-Emission Transition Plan. Proposals must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by September 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT.
Learn more and apply here.
| | Get Charged Up: The Knoxville Drive Electric Festival is Happening October 10! | | Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM as the Knoxville Electric Vehicle Association (KEVA) and Drive Electric Tennessee host the Knoxville Drive Electric Festival at Pellissippi State Community College’s Hardin Valley Campus. Recognized as the largest free EV showcase in the region, this family-friendly event features over 120 electric vehicles spanning 40+ models, giving attendees the opportunity to explore the latest cars and e-bikes, chat with knowledgeable local owners, and even take test drives. Alongside the impressive vehicle lineup, visitors can enjoy live music performances, delicious local food trucks, interactive displays along "Electric Avenue," and fun activities in the Kidz Zone. Whether you're curious about switching to electric or are already an enthusiast, come experience the future of sustainable transportation—admission is completely free! | | Classics Meet the Future: Drive Electric Appalachian Highlands at the Allandale Car Show! | Join Drive Electric Appalachian Highlands for the 48th Annual Allandale Fall Meet Car Show, hosted by the Daniel Boone Region AACA on Saturday, September 20, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the historic Allandale Mansion in Kingsport, TN. Set against the picturesque backdrop of "The White House of Kingsport," this long-running autumn favorite brings together classic automobile heritage and modern automotive technology. Attendees can tour iconic vintage vehicles, explore an array of all-electric models on display, connect with local EV drivers to learn about real-world ownership, and enjoy a full day of automotive history, food, and family fun on the mansion grounds. | Electric Cars & BBQ: Join Drive Electric Memphis at the Bartlett Festival on October 3! | | Join Drive Electric Memphis at the annual Bartlett Festival, BBQ Contest, & Car Show on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CDT at W. J. Freeman Park in Bartlett, TN. This free, family-friendly autumn celebration combines live music, arts and crafts vendors, a 5K race, kids' activities, and an MBN-sanctioned BBQ cooking contest with a popular open car show. Stop by the EV display area to check out late-model electric vehicles, talk directly with local owners about their driving experiences, and learn how clean transportation is making its mark across the Mid-South! | |
What's the Best Small Electric SUV? We Tested 8 of Them to Find Out | From the Tesla Model Y to the Rivian R2 to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and more, we test all of the heavy-hitters in the compact EV SUV space to find out which is best. | | | |
The State of Electric School Bus Adoption in the US | Electric School Bus Initiative | WRI's Electric School Bus Initiative aims to build unstoppable momentum toward an equitable transition of the entire U.S. school bus fleet to electric by 2030, bringing health, climate and economic benefits to children and families across the country and normalizing electric mobility for an entire generation. | | | |
Einride to Deploy 500 Tesla Semis in Biggest Electric Truck Order Yet | Einride will deploy 500 Tesla Semis over 24 months starting in September, tripling its electric fleet in the largest Tesla Semi order announced so far. | | | |
Halfway Through 2026, U.S. EV Market Is Finding its Footing | More than ten months after federal clean vehicle tax credits expired, the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market is showing signs of stabilization. Sales data from June 2026 is now live on EV Hub, giving us a full picture of the EV market in the first half | | | | Ready to supercharge your drive while putting thousands back in your pocket? This quick-read fact sheet reveals how switching to an EV in Tennessee can slash your ownership costs by nearly $10,500 over seven years, detailing the exact fuel and maintenance savings of EV models compared to traditional gas cars. Discover how 8- to 10-year battery warranties protect your investment, explore local options spanning everything from 500-mile range all-electric vehicles to versatile plug-in hybrids, and see how simple it is to charge using over 1,120 public stations statewide—or right from your own home. Check out the full fact sheet to unlock all the data, maps, and insider cost breakdowns you need to make your smartest vehicle purchase yet! | | Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle without the new-car price tag? This fact sheet reveals how buying a used EV can save drivers thousands of dollars in total ownership costs compared to traditional gas vehicles, all while delivering smooth, quiet performance. Packed with essential buyer guidance, this quick guide breaks down exactly what to inspect before buying— including how to evaluate remaining 8- to 10-year battery warranties, request onboard diagnostic battery health checks, verify critical software updates, and test standout features like vehicle-to-load power that turns your car into a mobile generator. Read the full fact sheet to master the ultimate pre-purchase checklist and make your next car investment with total confidence. | | | E-Micromobility "BE SAFE" Resources Now Available | | |
Following stakeholder input from across Tennessee, East Tennessee Clean Fuels has developed a new suite of BE SAFE (Building E-Micromobility Safety and Awareness Focused Educational Materials) resources.These tools include a Policy Guidelines Document to help municipalities and campuses establish e-micromobility regulations, as well as specialized educational outreach materials perfect for public safety events.
These resources can be downloaded below for use in your local community to help promote safer e-micromobility for everyone.
| | Download the Smart Trips App Today! | | | | |
Ditch the solo drive and get rewarded with Smart Trips! This free program by the Knoxville Regional TPO encourages alternatives like carpooling, biking, walking, transit, and telecommuting to reduce congestion and improve air quality. Simply log your sustainable trips via the website or app to earn points toward great rewards and entry into prize drawings. It even offers an Emergency Ride Home service for peace of mind!
Click here to download for Apple
Click here to download for Android
| | Know EVerything with the EV Guide from TVA | | |
Dive into the world of electric vehicles and discover the power of sustainable driving.
From range to rebates, charging to cost savings, this EV Guide from TVA has everything you need to make the switch to an eco-friendly ride.
Ready to join the electric revolution? Download your guide here!
| | | DriveElectricTN | info [at] driveelectrictn.org | | | | |
