TDEC Releases Freight Electrification Framework

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's (TDEC) Office of Energy Programs (OEP) has released the Tennessee Freight Electrification Framework, which aims to support commercial fleets that wish to transition to all-electric vehicles (EVs).

The framework is based on industry-leading research, conversations with stakeholders, and support from the National Association of State Energy Officials' Freight Electrification Advisory Group.

Commercial fleets are increasingly interested in adopting medium- and heavy-duty EVs. While early adopters have shown that this technology can be leveraged as a win-win for the industry - reducing expenses while meeting customer demands and improving driver satisfaction - initial pilots also indicate that the freight sector faces unique and exacerbated challenges to electrification.

The framework is intended to be a starting point and a living document that can be updated as freight electrification technologies and business models mature. Utilizing the same overarching opportunity areas as the Drive Electric Tennessee Roadmap, this framework includes a suite of initiatives that stakeholders can undertake to remove barriers and promote fuel and powertrain choice for this vital industry.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the transportation sector is the largest energy-consuming end-use sector in Tennessee, representing 46.1 percent of Tennessee's total energy consumption in 2023 (most recent data available).

To address this critical energy sector, TDEC OEP promotes and educates Tennessee citizens about alternative fuels, advanced vehicle technologies, and sustainable transportation options. By prioritizing and educating citizens regarding the aspects of energy use in transportation, OEP seeks to reduce energy costs within the transportation sector; increase the energy efficiency of the transportation sector; enhance resiliency and emergency preparedness through diversification of available fuels; and promote economic growth with improved environmental quality.

For additional information on transportation electrification in Tennessee, visit the TDEC website at tn.gov/environment/energy.

Drive Electric Tennessee (DET) is a consortium of state agencies, utilities, local governments, universities, research institutions, EV manufacturers, businesses, and advocacy groups that was formed in 2019. For additional information on Drive Electric Tennessee, visit driveelectrictn.org.

The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) is the only national nonprofit organization representing the governor-designated energy directors and their offices - the State Energy Offices - from the 56 states and territories across the nation. For additional information on the National Association of State Energy Officials, visit naseo.org.