![Tennessee said it would develop a statewide network of EV fast charging stations. It's added one in 2.5 years [update]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/01/blink-charging-series-9.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Tennessee said it would develop a statewide network of EV fast charging stations. It’s added one in 2.5 years [update]
Will Blink Charging’s new partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) revive Tennessee’s stagnant Fast Charge TN Network plan?
September 11 update: A ChargePoint DC fast charging station came online last week in Brownsville, Tennessee, as part of TVA’s Fast Charge Network. Brownsville Mayor William Rawls said at the ribbon cutting that it was the only fast charger “located between Jackson and Memphis, Tennessee.” It’s 26 miles from Jackson to Brownsville and then around 60 miles from Brownsville to Memphis.
Additionally, Paris, Tennessee, is about to cut the ribbon on two DC fast chargers in town tomorrow morning at 109 S. Fentress, according to the TVA. Those chargers are also part of TVA’s regional Fast Charge Network and Fast Charge TN. In January, Rivian launched a Level 2 solar-powered charger in Paris.
Where’s the EV fast charging in Tennessee?
August 24: Miami Beach-based Blink (Nasdaq: BLNK) today announced a two-year contract with TVA, the US’s largest government-owned utility, to supply DC fast chargers and Level 2 chargers for both public and commercial use. (Blink doesn’t have an exclusive.)
The TVA, a federally owned corporation in the US created by congressional charter in 1933, is the country’s sixth-largest power provider. It serves 10 million customers in seven states. TVA is helping to fund and develop a public EV charger network across its seven-state service area.
The new agreement provides TVA with access to Blink’s Level 2 Series 7 charger, and its 50kW DC fast charger, 75kW DC fast charger, and 150kW DC fast charger. (The three DC Fast Chargers that Blink is providing, as part of the TVA contract, are third-party chargers, according to a Blink spokesperson.)
On February 3, 2021, TVA and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced that they would jointly develop the “Fast Charge TN Network,” a statewide network of EV fast charging stations every 50 miles along Tennessee’s interstates and major highways.
Electrek’s Take
Overall, this is great, apart from the fact that we’re not sure how useful a 50 kW DC fast charger is going to be. But I wanted to see how TVA and Tennessee’s progression was going on its big “EV fast charging stations every 50 miles” plan, as I wrote about it in February 2021.
As of March 2023, according to the Tennessee government website, there are “only 25 DC fast charging locations currently operating” in the Fast Charge TN Network that are open to all consumers and support both charging standards common to EVs. The program plans to add “40 new [public] charging locations.”
TVA’s website states that it plans to install 50 DC fast chargers across Tennessee. Hmmm.
In 2021, Tennessee’s existing fast charging network was made up of 24 DC fast chargers. And the last press release posted on the TVA EV Initiative Press Kit website was in September 2022.
So… the state has added… one DC fast charger in 2.5 years. Why the snail’s pace, TVA and Tennessee?
A Tennessee state spokesperson told me in 2021 that it’s “aiming for completion in 2023-2024.” So it looks like Blink has its work cut out in the Volunteer State. Let’s hope this stagnating yet important program finally gains some momentum.
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The Stripe logo on a smartphone with U.S. dollar banknotes in the background.
Budrul Chukrut | SOPA Images | LightRocket via Getty Images
Stripe cut 300 jobs, representing about 3.5% of its workforce, mostly in product, engineering and operations, CNBC has confirmed.
The payments company, valued at about $70 billion in the private markets, still expects to increase headcount by 10,000 by the end of the year, which would be a 17% increase, and is “not slowing down hiring,” according to a memo to staff from Chief People Office Rob McIntosh. Business Insider reported earlier on the cuts and the memo.
A Stripe spokesperson also confirmed to CNBC that a cartoon image of a duck with text that read, “US-Non-California Duck,” was accidentally attached as a PDF to emails sent to some of the employees who were laid off. Some of the emails mistakenly provided affected employees with an incorrect termination date, the spokesperson said.
McIntosh sent a follow-up email to staffers apologizing for the “notification error” and “any confusion it caused.”
“Corrected and full notifications have since been sent to all impacted Stripes,” he wrote.
In 2022, Stripe cut roughly 1,100 jobs, or 14% of its workers, downsizing alongside most of the tech industry, as soaring inflation and rising interest rates forced companies to focus on profits over growth. The Information reported that Stripe had a few dozen layoffs in its recruiting department in 2023.
Stripe’s valuation sank from a peak of $95 billion in 2021 to $50 billion in 2023, before reportedly rebounding to $70 billion last year as part of a secondary share sale. The company ranked third on last year’s CNBC Disruptor 50 list.
In October, Stripe agreed to pay $1.1 billion for crypto startup Bridge Network, whose technology is focused on making it easy for businesses to transact using digital currencies.
Brothers Patrick and John Collison, who founded Stripe in 2010, have intentionally steered clear of the public markets and have given no indication that an offering is on the near-term horizon. Total payment volume at the company surpassed $1 trillion in 2023.
WATCH: Early Bridge investor weighs in on $1.1 billion Stripe deal
Thinking about upgrading your EV? Rivian (RIVN) launched a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1S or R1T. Here’s how you can snag some savings.
Rivian R1S and R1T upgrade deal offers up to $6,000
Rivian delivered over 51,500 vehicles last year as the EV maker gains momentum. Although it was only slightly higher than the ~50,100 delivered in 2023, Rivian is expected to see even more growth this year.
After shutting down its Normal, IL manufacturing plant last April and renegotiating supplier contracts, Rivian has seen “significant cost improvements,” according to CEO RJ Scaringe.
Rivian also began delivering its next-gen R1S and R1T models last year. The new Large and Max battery packs have redesigned modules and more efficient packaging, “making them easier to manufacture and service.” For example, Rivian’s new EVs use seven ECUs, down from 17 in the first-generation R1T and R1S.
With new plant upgrades, reworked supplier contracts, and more efficient vehicles, Rivian is now passing the savings on to customers.
Rivian introduced a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1T or R1S. The bonus amount varies by trim:
- Tri with Max battery: $6,000 USD / CAD 8,600
- Dual with Max battery and Performance upgrade: $4,500 USD / CAD 6,500
- Dual with Max battery: $3,000 USD / CAD 4,300
The offer is for current R1T or R1S owners or lessees in the US and Canada. Rivian launched the new promo on January 21, and it runs through March 31, 2025.
After you purchase or lease a qualifying vehicle, Rivian will apply a discount toward the MSRP. You must take delivery by March 31, 2025. In the fine print, Rivian stated, “You must request a trade-in estimate to qualify for this offer, but trade-in of a vehicle is not required.”
Any other models are excluded from the offer. These include Dual Standard configurations, Dual with Large battery configurations, custom builds, demo vehicles, and pre-owned vehicles.
The new offer follows Rivian’s previous upgrade promo introduced last October, giving qualifying gas-powered vehicle owners or lessees up to $3,000.
Check out the Rivian R1 Shop to view eligible models. You can see eligible Rivian R1S here and R1T models here.
Electrek’s Take
Rivian’s R1S was already the tenth best-selling electric vehicle in the US last year, with nearly 27,000 models sold. With more driving range and power at a lower cost, the electric SUV could see even more demand in 2025.
Then again, with the arrival of new luxury electric SUVs, like the Jeep Wagoneer S and Volvo EX90, Rivian will face more competition in the US.
Rivian’s latest promo comes as the Company looks to carry the momentum from the end of 2024 into the new year. The EV maker is offering other deals, including 1.99% APR for 60 months on the R1 Dual with a Max Battery and Performance upgrade.
Even if you are not eligible for the promo, we can still help you find deals on Rivian’s electric SUV in your area. You can use our links below to view offers on the Rivian R1S and R1T near you today.
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