The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA), in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Electric Power Board (EPB), are pleased to announce an agreement with Green Commuter which will create a new transportation alternative through an electric vehicle car-sharing system in Chattanooga, TN.
“The agreement with Green Commuter is important because it allows CARTA to enhance public transportation options with the introduction of an electric vehicle car-sharing system to benefit all Chattanoogans,” said Brent Matthews, CARTA Director of Parking.
With the completion of the first phase of this project, Chattanooga now has approximately twenty (20) electric vehicle charging locations. In addition new solar power generation facilities are under construction which will be integrated into the EPB power grid.
“We are excited to work with EPB, CARTA, and Green Commuter to bring solar-assisted electric charging stations and electric vehicle car sharing to Chattanooga,” said Cindy Herron, TVA vice president of EnergyRight Solutions. “Electric vehicles and solar-assisted vehicle charging maximizes the benefits of clean energy, reduces emissions and encourages solar power and electric transportation in Chattanooga.”
Through the expansion of charging stations, the installation of renewable solar power generation, and the use of plug-in electric vehicles, Chattanooga is well positioned to adopt clean energy technologies to reduce vehicle emissions on a sustained basis.
“EPB is proud to support our community partners to enhance the value of next-generation mobility for residents and visitors to Chattanooga,” said EPB president David Wade. “By leveraging the assets provided by CARTA, TVA, Green Commuter and the City’s smart grid, Chattanooga will continue to be a leader in innovation and environmental stewardship through affordable, clean transportation and renewable energy solutions.”
“Chattanoogans should be proud of this agreement because we are the first medium-size city in the nation to implement an electric vehicle car-sharing system to reduce emissions and traffic congestion, said Matthews. “In addition, data from this project will be shared with other communities to support similar electric vehicle implementations across the Tennessee Valley.”
When the electric vehicle car-sharing system is fully operational it will achieve significant reduction of air pollution and traffic congestion and improve Chattanoogans’ quality of life by offering safe, affordable and environmentally-friendly public transportation.
The Green Commuter car sharing system, electric vehicle, and charging unit will be on display to the public at the Riverbend Festival on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18. Please visit the EPB/TVA booth for a hands-on demonstration of the system.
