Transportation electrification refers to the shift from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles that rely on fossil fuels to electric vehicles (EVs) powered by electricity. This transition involves adopting various electric transportation modes, such as electric cars, buses, trucks, trains, and even electric bicycles. The fundamental principle behind transportation electrification is reducing reliance on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating the environmental impacts associated with conventional transportation systems.

Electric vehicles are powered by batteries that store electrical energy, which is then used to propel the vehicle. They produce little to no tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. Transportation electrification offers several benefits:

1. Reduced Emissions: EVs produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants than ICE vehicles. This helps mitigate the impacts of climate change and improves air quality in urban areas.

2. Energy Efficiency: Electric drivetrains are more efficient than internal combustion engines, which means that a larger portion of the energy from the power source is converted into actual vehicle movement.

3. Energy Diversity: Electricity can be generated from various sources, including renewable energy such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. This diversification reduces dependence on fossil fuels for transportation energy.

4. Lower Operating Costs: EVs have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance than ICE vehicles, leading to potential savings in maintenance and operational expenses over their lifespan.

5. Technological Innovation: The transition to EVs drives advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and vehicle design, fostering innovation in the automotive industry.

6. Noise Reduction: Electric vehicles are quieter than traditional vehicles, contributing to reduced noise pollution in urban areas.

To facilitate transportation electrification, efforts are being made to expand charging infrastructure, improve battery technology for longer ranges and faster charging, and incentivize the adoption of EVs through policy measures, such as subsidies and emissions regulations. While challenges like range anxiety, upfront costs, and charging infrastructure availability exist, transportation electrification is critical to achieving sustainable and environmentally responsible mobility in the future.

Hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles can help increase energy security, improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs, and reduce emissions.

Using hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles instead of conventional vehicles can help reduce U.S. reliance on imported petroleum and increase energy security. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) typically use less fuel than similar conventional vehicles because they employ electric-drive technologies to boost efficiency. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and all-electric vehicles (EVs) can use off-board electricity sources, and almost all U.S. electricity is produced from domestic coal, nuclear energy, natural gas, and renewable resources.

Hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles. HEV emissions benefits vary by vehicle model and type of hybrid power system. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, and PHEVs produce no tailpipe emissions when in all-electric mode.

The life cycle emissions of an EV or PHEV depend on the sources of electricity used to charge it, which vary by region. In geographic areas that use relatively low-polluting energy sources for electricity production, plug-in vehicles typically have a life cycle emissions advantage over similar conventional vehicles running on gasoline or diesel. PHEVs and EVs may need to demonstrate a robust life cycle emissions benefit in regions that depend heavily on traditional fossil fuels for electricity generation. Use the Vehicle Cost Calculator to compare the life cycle emissions of individual vehicle models in a given location.

Tennessee Fleets Using Electric Vehicles (EVs)

City of Kingsport
East Tennessee State University
Eastman Chemical Company
Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (WeGo Public Transit)
National Park Service (Great Smoky Mountains NP)
Tennessee Valley Authority
Tennessee’s Electric Utility Companies & Cooperatives
The University of Tennessee

What is “EVSE”?

EVSE stands for “Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment” and is the unit you plug into an EV (electric vehicle) when you seek to recharge or refuel it.

What is Workplace Charging?

We have an entire website devoted to this! Visit Drive Electric Tennessee to learn about businesses across the Volunteer State that have installed EVSE at their workplaces, enabling their staff to drive an EV and have a full charge at the end of the workday.

Are you looking to empower your workplace with EV charging? Thanks to funding support from the US Department of Energy, we can provide your workplace with up to $2,000 in free, direct technical assistance and consulting to help you install workplace charging. Visit EMPOWER Workplace Charging TN to learn more!