Rural Electric Vehicle Emergency Charging Assistance Program
EV users in rural areas may face challenges in finding EV charging stations to charge their vehicles when needed. The Electric Vehicle Emergency Charging Assistance Program, as part of Tennessee Technological University’s Rural Reimagined EV community project aims to support EV drivers who find themselves in need of a quick charge due to unexpected battery depletion. This program is designed to ensure that EV owners can travel with confidence, knowing that help is available if they run out of charge. The pilot phase of this program will provide emergency charging assistance in the Upper Cumberland region in Tennessee (see the image below for the service area). The later phase of this program will expand the service areas to other rural Appalachian regions in TN, KY, WV, VA, and OH.
Key Features:
- Assistance: This program offers emergency charging support to EV drivers, ensuring help is available from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CT from Monday
through Friday. This is a volunteer-based service that may be limited depending on the availability of personnel. Before reaching out to us, please the following websites (or a similar website) to plan EV charging carefully before or during your trips:
- PlugShare: https://www.plugshare.com/
- DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center: Alternative Fuels Data Center: Alternative Fueling Station Locator
- Mobile Charging Units: Equipped with SparkCharge’s Roadie Portable mobile charging units, the program can provide a quick charge (up to 50 miles) to get drivers back on the road.
- Coverage Area: This service currently covers the entire Upper Cumberland region, including rural areas that may have fewer or no EV charging stations.
- Partnerships: This is an initiative through Tennessee Tech University working to create a network of support and ensure widespread coverage.
- Contact: Please contact Prof. Pingen Chen and his group via email: pchen@tntech.edu to request assistance. We will respond to your request as soon as possible.
through Friday. This is a volunteer-based service that may be limited depending on the availability of personnel. Before reaching out to us, please the following websites (or a similar website) to plan EV charging carefully before or during your trips:
Benefits
- Peace of Mind: Drivers can travel without the fear of being stranded due to a depleted battery.
- Convenience: Quick and efficient service minimizes downtime and inconvenience.
- Support for Rural Areas: Ensures that even in less populated areas, EV drivers have access to emergency charging.
By providing reliable emergency charging assistance, the Upper Cumberland region is making strides toward a more sustainable and EV-friendly future.