Among the first 10 projects to receive federal funding to build EV-charging infrastructure in Tennessee is one that will bring four DC fast chargers to a Waffle House in Lakeland, TN.
Atlanta-based EnviroSpark will partner with Waffle House to build the chargers at the restaurant, using National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding awarded by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), in cooperation with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).
TDOT received applications for 167 projects for the first round of NEVI awards. The state will eventually award a total of 30 projects.
Of all the Tennessee NEVI-funded sites, the EnviroSpark/Waffle House partnership is the only restaurant project and one of only two non-gas station/convenience store locations.
"We are honored to partner on such a pivotal project with a fellow Georgia business and an iconic brand like Waffle House,” said EnviroSpark CEO Aaron Luque. "This collaboration exemplifies the commitment of both companies and the state of Tennessee to drive sustainability and innovation in convenient ways for EV drivers. We are so grateful for the trust of Waffle House, TDOT and TDEC.”
As EV drivers themselves, Luque and his team understand the importance of being selective about where to build new charging stations. Like all Waffle House locations, the restaurant at 9780 U.S. Highway 64 in Lakeland is open 24/7, helping satisfy one of the NEVI requirements.
EnviroSpark’s NEVI-compliant DCFC stations are manufactured in South Carolina and exceed federal sourcing and kWh requirements. Exclusively focused on the EVSE space since 2014, the company is also an EVITP-approved contractor, exceeding federal requirements for quality EVSE installation standards.
Waffle House, a culinary icon of the South, and famous for its commitment to customer satisfaction and community engagement, is embracing the opportunity to contribute to the green energy movement.
TDOT and TDEC solicited applications for the $88 million in federal grant funding over five years. The grant awardees will purchase, install, own, operate, maintain and report on the program-funded EV charging infrastructure.
“Tennessee has shown true leadership in state agency coordination between TDOT and TDEC, sharing expertise and building a strong foundation for the state’s EV charging network,” said Executive Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Gabe Klein. “The Joint Office is proud to provide technical support to ensure these 30 fast charging locations provide a frictionless experience for users.”
EnviroSpark will begin construction on the Waffle House charging stations this year and plans to work with the restaurant giant on future NEVI projects.
