The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s (TDEC) Office of Energy Programs (OEP) has published its first Freight Electrification Framework, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to support commercial fleets that wish to transition to all-electric vehicles (EVs).
Developed in partnership with the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), the Framework reflects collaboration with a broad range of public- and private-sector partners across Tennessee. Its development was informed by input from dozens of stakeholders who participated in a statewide workshop in January 2025, including representatives from state agencies, utilities, freight and logistics companies, infrastructure providers, vehicle manufacturers, and other key partners.
The Framework complements a refresh to the state’s Electric Vehicle Roadmap, which will be released shortly, and extends the state’s transportation electrification planning into the freight sector. Together, these efforts help position Tennessee to support emerging medium- and heavy-duty vehicle technologies, address infrastructure and grid considerations, and strengthen coordination among agencies and industry stakeholders.
Freight movement is central to Tennessee’s economy, connecting manufacturers, distributors, and communities across the state and region. As the freight sector continues to evolve, the Framework outlines key considerations and opportunities to help Tennessee assess needs, identify challenges, and support a practical approach to freight electrification.
NASEO supported the development of the Framework as part of its broader work with states to advance transportation electrification and foster cross-sector collaboration.
The 2025 stakeholder workshop was a key part of the development process, helping to surface opportunities, barriers, and priorities specific to Tennessee’s freight landscape. Insights from that convening helped inform the Framework’s direction and recommendations.
With the publication of the Freight Electrification Framework, Tennessee is taking an important step toward integrating freight into its broader transportation electrification strategy and ensuring the state is well positioned for continued growth and innovation in the sector.
For more information, see TDEC’s press release.