The talk of the region has been predominantly Blue Oval. With that in mind supporters and critics alike gravitate to the pressing question that follows, where can we charge our vehicles? How does this shift to electric vehicles translate to travel? All-electric vehicles, also referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. There is no shortage of gas stations in the Mid-South and for the most part throughout the United States, but what about the EV Charging stations?
The term “EV Range Anxiety” and long-distance travel was even recently discussed in a previous Lakeland EDC meeting. At this point going from Lakeland to Destin for example is 496 miles and would need 1 stop or more for a recharge based on the currently available electric vehicles (see image), but most want to make it to the beach in one day and they also want to be assured there are charging stations available along the way. According to TDOT last year there were 23 fast charging locations currently operating in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) intends to provide TDEC with an additional $7 million in federal Highway Infrastructure Program (HIP) funds to expand fast-charging electric vehicle infrastructure along federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors in Tennessee. Memphis happens to have multiple locations and Wolfchase has the greatest concentration, more than Downtown Memphis, Germantown, or Collierville and that has a lot to do with I-40.
Currently there are two charging stations planned for Lakeland, one at The Lake District and another at Lakeland Town Square in phase II. Lakeland is positioned well along multiple east-west corridors with several planned developments underway, so it is a logical next step to offer EV charging options. For any emerging technology advancements will take place and for the electric vehicle better range will require fewer stops but the availability of charging stations will increase. That being said, it’s best to have options of both electric and gas-powered vehicles at home.
To find EV Charging stations in the Memphis area, please click here.
More information about EV weaknesses can be found here.
