Emissions from vehicles contributed about 59% of the community's greenhouse gas footprint in 2019. Vehicles on our roads are primarily powered by gasoline and diesel, which are fossil fuels with high carbon content.

The Mayor's Climate Council prioritized the acceleration of electric vehicles throughout the community for a variety of benefits:

 • Higher efficiency: Electric vehicles convert over 77% of the energy from their fuel (electricity) to move down the road, while conventional vehicles use only 12-30% of the energy available in their fuel (gasoline).
 • Lower emissions: All-electric vehicles produce approximately 73% less greenhouse gas emissions than a conventional gasoline car - even less if the electricity is generated from renewable energy sources like wind or solar.
 • Fewer local air pollutants: While conventional engines produce pollutants at the tailpipe as a result of combusting gasoline or diesel, electric vehicles do not produce direct tailpipe emissions that can affect local air quality and public health.
 • Enhanced domestic energy markets: Electricity is produced regionally or locally, which increases regional economic development, decreases reliance on imported fuels, and diversifies power sources for greater energy security. Learn more here.
 • Lower overall cost: Research shows that the total cost of ownership for electric vehicles is $6,000-10,000 less than a comparable gas vehicle over a lifetime. While upfront purchase prices tend to be higher, electric vehicles cost much less to fuel and maintain over time.
 • Sufficient daily range: Nearly all electric vehicles can cover the travel of a typical household, which drives an average of 50-100 miles per day. 

Data derived from source: DOE Fuel Economy Data Data derived from source: DOE Alternative Fueling Station Counts by State

City Focus Areas 

Our leadership enthusiastically supports electric vehicles throughout the City. Mayor Kincannon was featured in TVA's 'In Charge: Life with an Electric Vehicle' video series, speaking about the City's plans to expand charging infrastructure

The City is working to electrify our vehicle fleet wherever possible, and currently operates 8 Nissan Leafs (pictured above). These all-electric passenger cars can drive approximately 150-225 miles on a single charge, allowing staff to travel around the community with a much lower climate footprint.

We're also proud to offer free charging to the public at several sites throughout the City. Learn more here.


Go Electric

There are many resources to learn about available technologies, compare vehicles, and find a car that meets your needs.

 • DOE 'How Do All-Electric Cars Work?': shows how battery technology works and explains the difference between battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid electric vehicles
 • EPA 'Electric Vehicle Myths': addresses top concerns about electric vehicles
 • FuelEconomy.gov: search and compare vehicle MPG, view all available vehicle models, and more
 • DOE Vehicle Cost Calculator: uses your driving habits to estimate total cost of ownership and emissions for conventional and electric vehicles (widget at right)
 • Federal Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles
 • KUB EV rebate program
 • TVA electric vehicle website: includes 'In Charge' video series and vehicle comparison tool
 • Drive Electric Tennessee
 • East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition
 • Knoxville Electric Vehicle Association
 • SACE Electrify the South