ZEF Energy, a leading electric vehicle solutions provider, is celebrating a milestone partnership with Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE), Seven States Power Corporation, and Tritium in the deployment of a significant public Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) site in Lebanon, TN. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by funding from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), marks a pivotal advancement in expanding fast charging access along key travel corridors in the region.
The Fast Charge TN installation, which went live on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, signifies a crucial step towards enhancing charging infrastructure to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles. Managed by MTE and Seven States Power Corporation, the site features four charging stations capable of delivering 150kW to a single EV, utilizing the cutting-edge ZEFNET Power-T Series technology integrated with Tritium PKM150 DC fast chargers.
Matthew Blackler, CEO of ZEF Energy, highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving widespread EV adoption, stating, “As the demand for electric vehicles grows, the necessity for robust charging infrastructure becomes increasingly evident. Collaborating with MTE, Seven States, and TVA to expand local fast charging access along interstates and major highways in non-urban areas is pivotal for driving widespread EV adoption.”
Brandon Wagoner, MTE’s Manager of Strategy Execution & Analytics, emphasized the role of partnerships in meeting the evolving needs of EV drivers, stating, “Our members are increasingly looking to us to be leaders in the electric vehicle space, which means finding solutions to the challenges they encounter as EV drivers. We want to respond to that calling, but we can’t do that without good partners like ZEF and others.”
Betsey Kirk McCall, President & CEO of Seven States Power Corporation, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s contribution to connecting communities and supporting broader national initiatives, stating, “This Fast Charge Network deployment plays an important role in connecting the Lebanon community to the broader efforts of the National Electric Highway Coalition.”
The successful opening of the PKM150 DC fast charging hub in Tennessee represents a significant achievement for the partnership between ZEF Energy, MTE, Seven States Power Corporation, and Tritium. Mike Calise, President Americas of Tritium, underscored the company’s commitment to supporting sustainable initiatives, stating, “Tritium provided ground floor support as this site prepared to launch, and we could not be more thrilled to have our first PKM150 DC site right here in our own backyard.”
Supported by TVA funding, this innovative initiative not only addresses the evolving needs of EV drivers but also signifies a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and sustainability across the region. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and collaborative partnerships, the project aligns with Federal and TVA outcomes aimed at facilitating seamless EV travel, fostering economic growth, and reducing carbon emissions.
