Cleveland Utilities Connects to Fast Charge TN and Regional Fast Charge Network
Driving Electric in Tennessee Just Got Easier
Cleveland, TN – October 24, 2025 - Cleveland Utilities (CU) is unleashing American energy by installing six fast chargers at its main campus parking lot located at 2450 Guthrie Avenue as part of the Fast Charge TN Network, a partnership between the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and Seven States Power Corporation.
This foundational network of public fast charging stations along interstates and major highways is focused on both urban and rural communities, and has grown to over 100 charging stations at more than 50 locations. Access to reliable and cost-effective charging is critical to consumers considering EVs. This voluntary program enables local communities to provide additional refueling options for residents and travelers, supporting local businesses near charging locations.
“We prioritized participating in Fast Charge TN because we want to make it easy for people to choose EVs, helping our community benefit from the environmental and economic benefits of electric transportation,” said Tim O. Henderson, President/CEO of CU. The funding from TVA and TDEC made it possible for CU to add fast chargers in our community by providing 80% of the project cost.”
TVA and TDEC have brought together local power companies, state and local government partners, and others to support residents who choose to go electric. The benefits of EVs to the Tennessee Valley region are significant:
- Economic development: The Tennessee Valley has attracted significant investment in electric automotive manufacturing, with over 14,000 related jobs created in the past decade.
- Environmental considerations: Each EV in our region can reduce carbon emissions by utilizing TVA’s diverse energy portfolio, which is one of the lowest-carbon power systems in the nation.
- Consumer savings: Drivers realize fuel and maintenance cost savings from EVs. Local refueling contributes $120 million to the local economy.
“At TVA, we’ve moved far beyond connecting communities with power lines,” said Monika Beckner, Vice President of TVA EnergyRight. “Today, EVs use our clean, low-cost, reliable electricity to connect communities and commerce across our region. Supporting the expansion of EV charging infrastructure allows TVA to save drivers money and attract good jobs and tourism – all powered by electricity from TVA and your local power company.”
“Tennessee’s air is cleaner as measured by federal air quality standards than it has been in generations, and a clean environment helps drive economic development,” TDEC Deputy Commissioner Greg Young said. “TDEC is partnering with TVA and Cleveland Utilities on the development of this station to continue Tennessee’s environmental and economic momentum while further entrenching our state as the epicenter of the electric vehicle transition.”
“Seven States is trusted by local power companies across the Tennessee Valley to deliver EV charging technology for their consumers,” said Betsey Kirk McCall, President and CEO of Seven States Power Corporation. “Impactful partnerships like this benefit the local community, regional economy and global environment for years to come.”
“This charging location does more than charge cars -- it connects Cleveland to the Fast Charge Network and plays an important role in putting our region on the leading edge of the new electric economy,” said Henderson.
To learn more about the Fast Charge Network, explore cost differences between vehicle types, or locate EV charging stations on your travel route, check out EnergyRight.com/ev.
Additional information about Fast Charge TN is available at TN.gov/EVFastCharge.
