The City of Knoxville has become the first city in Tennessee to join the Charging Smart program. This initiative, a technical assistance and designation program, offers no-cost support to local governments to promote equitable and widespread adoption of electric vehicles within their communities.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon emphasized the city’s commitment to sustainability and infrastructure development for electric vehicle users. “The City of Knoxville invests in EV chargers to achieve our sustainability and air quality goals as well as to support infrastructure for residents and visitors who drive electric vehicles,” Mayor Kincannon stated. “Membership in the Charging Smart community will help us continue to advance our achievements in EV technology, help more people adopt EVs, and serve as a leader for cities across the state.”
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The Charging Smart program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office, and Drive Electric Tennessee acts as the program’s liaison within the state. Knoxville was invited to become the first member city in Tennessee.
Currently, Knoxville hosts 40 public EV chargers located in 14 city-owned parking garages, public parks, and municipal buildings. Plans are underway to install an additional 30 charging slots in the City County Building garage to support the city’s fleet of 40 electric vehicles used by various departments, including Fleet Administration, Inspections, Engineering, Fire, Police, and Public Service.
Nick Bradshaw, the Fleet Services Director, noted the importance of diversifying the vehicle fleet and utilizing lower-carbon fuels. “Because transportation represents 59 percent of community emissions, the City is motivated to diversify our vehicle fleet and ensure we’re using lower-carbon fuels as much as possible,” Bradshaw explained.
Electric vehicle drivers in Knoxville can locate area chargers using the DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center, PlugShare, and ChargeHub.
For more information about the Office of Sustainability, visit KnoxvilleTN.gov/Sustainability.
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Knoxville City Closures for MLK Day 2025
Knoxville City offices will be closed on January 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but regular residential garbage and recycling services will continue. The City’s Solid Waste Facility will be closed from January 18-20, while recycling drop-off centers will remain open. The 311 Center for Service Innovation will also be closed, with residents encouraged to use the My Knoxville app for reporting issues. Knoxville Area Transit will follow a Sunday schedule, and details on holiday-related events can be found on the MLK Knoxville website. For more information on city services, visit KnoxvilleTN.gov.