A ribbon-cutting was held Nov. 28 at Scottsboro Electric Power Board to celebrate the fast chargers for electric vehicles that have been installed at 404 East Willow Street. “As automakers retool their factories to build electric vehicles, many more EVs will be on the roadways in the next decade,” a SEPB press release stated. “Scottsboro Electric Power Board is helping to make sure Alabama is ready with charging infrastructure.”
The charging stations were installed in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and Seven States Power Corporation.
“This fast charger installation is part of the regional Fast Charge Network that will cover major travel corridors across TVA’s seven-state service area and will complement the broader efforts of the National Electric Highway Coalition which seeks to enable long-distance EV travel by placing fast chargers along interstates and major highways throughout the United States,” the press release stated. SEPB General Manager Phillip Chaney said the board chose to participate in the Fast Charge Network because the board wants to make it easy for citizens to choose electric vehicles so the community can enjoy their environmental and economic benefits.“
The funding from TVA and ADECA makes it possible to add fast chargers in our community by providing 100 percent of the project cost,” Chaney said, adding, “This charging location does more than charge cars — it connects Scottsboro and Jackson County to the Fast Charge Network and plays an important role in putting our region on the leading edge of the new electric economy.”
This initiative is set to bring 200,000 electric vehicles to Tennessee Valley roadways by 2028. The SEPB press-release explained that this will significantly benefit the region by attracting high quality jobs, reducing carbon emissions from gasoline, reinvesting $120 million in the local economy every year from electric refueling and save drivers $1,000 in fuel and maintenance costs each year. TVA Regional Vice President Jared Mitchem said TVA is excited to partner with local power companies and ADECA to invest in charging infrastructure across the region. “These investments allow TVA to save drivers money and attract good jobs and tourism– all powered by electricity from TVA and your local power company,” Mitchem said. President and CEO of Seven States Power Corporation Betsey Kirk McCall, added, “Seven States is trusted by local power companies across the Tennessee Valley to deliver EV charging technology for their consumers. Impactful partnerships like this benefit the local community, regional economy and global environment for years to come.”
