Sensational news.
On Jul 21, 2021, at 12:58 PM, Overly Jonathan G (Redacted sender "jgoverly"
for DMARC) <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
HOT OFF THE PRESS….
This should make you smile Susan Goodwin!!
From: Kim Schofinski <Kim.Schofinski@xxxxxx <mailto:Kim.Schofinski@xxxxxx>>
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 10:05 AM
To: Kim Schofinski <Kim.Schofinski@xxxxxx <mailto:Kim.Schofinski@xxxxxx>>
Subject: State Parks, Rivian Partner on Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Kim Schofinski
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
(615) 571-3165
STATE PARKS, RIVIAN PARTNER ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)
announced today it is partnering with electric vehicle (EV) automaker and
automotive technology company Rivian to install Rivian Waypoint EV charging
stations at Tennessee State Parks.
The goal is to have charging stations available at all 56 state parks
systemwide, depending on the availability of electricity and planned future
park upgrades.
“Tennessee is at the forefront of innovation and infrastructure development,
and we're committed to the future of the automotive industry,” Governor Bill
Lee said. “This collaboration will support Tennessee jobs and enhance our
already unmatched state parks.”
“As Tennesseans increasingly rely on electric vehicles, our state parks can
play a significant role to enable recreation in all corners of our state,”
TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “TDEC is committed to clean air, and
the shift toward electric vehicles is an excellent step forward for air
quality.”
“Tennessee’s State Parks will be home to some of our very first Rivian
Waypoints and at the forefront of our plan to provide accessible EV charging
to those adventuring in America’s most beautifully preserved environments,”
Matt Horton, executive vice president of Energy and Charging Solutions at
Rivian, said.
Rivian will oversee the design and installation of the Level 2 chargers,
which are compatible with all EV models currently on the road. The
open-network chargers can provide up to 11.5 kilowatts of power, enabling EV
drivers to top up on miles while enjoying a day trip or an overnight campout.
EV charging at Tennessee State Parks will initially be free and drivers will
be able to easily monitor their vehicle’s charging session via the Rivian
app. Any potential future cost to drivers may be dependent on systemwide
utilization to recover electricity costs.
In addition to overseeing design and installation, Rivian will provide any
necessary utility upgrades associated with the charger installation at no
cost to the state or taxpayers. Rivian will also cover all network access
fees, equipment service, and maintenance for 10 years.
Under the estimated timeline, Rivian will begin site surveys and engineering
over the summer, with installation beginning as early as fall 2021 and
stretching into March 2022.
“We are very excited for this partnership, and for TDEC and Tennessee State
Parks’ commitment to sustainable travel, ensuring residents and visitors
enjoy the state for generations to come,” Mark Ezell, commissioner of the
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, said. “Tennessee offers
unsurpassed natural beauty, and we’re thrilled this project will bring
visitors to state parks, rural communities and cities.”
Founded in 2009, Rivian has development centers in the United States, Canada,
and England, including a 3.3-million-square-foot manufacturing plant in
Normal, Ill. More information is available at rivian.com
<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/rivian.com/__;!!PRtDf9A!860l0yc2ILq7CqKd9007_nzit42GR6GhV6hh265B8j91jxnoN5Ay8NsBFxxCrjXJgU0$>.
The agreement with Rivian is the latest development stemming from TDEC’s
commitment to power the growth of EVs across Tennessee and reduce barriers to
transportation electrification. Earlier this year, TDEC and the Tennessee
Valley Authority (TVA) announced a partnership
<https://www.tn.gov/environment/news/2021/2/3/electric-vehicle-fast-charging-network-coming-to-tennessee.html>
to develop a statewide EV charging network that will provide fast-charging
stations every 50 miles along Tennessee’s interstates and highways. The
initiative is designed to add approximately 50 new fast-charging locations
throughout the state.
###
<image002.jpg>
Photo credit: Rivian, Eric Ryan Anderson. Location pictured is illustrative -
specific Waypoint locations are still being determined.
<image001.png>
Kim Schofinski | Deputy Communications Director
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, 2nd Floor
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., Nashville TN 37243
(615) 571-3165
Kim.Schofinski@xxxxxx <mailto:Kim.Schofinski@xxxxxx>
www.tn.gov/environment <http://www.tn.gov/environment>
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