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Revving Up Season Three: Discover MTE's EV Programs!

Season three of MTE's Plugged In Podcast dives into the dynamic world of electric vehicles, guided by hosts Amy Byers and Brandon Wagoner. The episode kicks off with a detailed examination of MTE’s EV programs, specifically focusing on the EV Ready program and the Nightflex rate, both designed to enhance the electric vehicle experience for consumers. The EV Ready program provides financial incentives for homeowners who install 240-volt charging stations, thus lowering the initial barrier to entry for potential EV owners. Brandon explains how MTE is not only supporting current EV drivers but also actively engaging with the market by adapting their services to meet the evolving needs of new electric vehicle owners. The hosts emphasize the simplicity of the application process, encouraging listeners to visit MTE’s website to learn more about how they can benefit from these initiatives.

A significant highlight of the episode features an interview with Rhett Miller, MTE’s digital media coordinator, who shares his journey from being an electric vehicle novice to experiencing the thrill of driving one for the first time. Rhett’s candid reflections on his initial hesitations and ultimate excitement while driving a Ford Lightning resonate with listeners who might be contemplating the switch to electric. His description of the driving experience—characterized by smooth acceleration and quiet operation—offers a fresh perspective that helps demystify electric vehicles for those unfamiliar with them. Rhett's narrative not only illustrates the personal connection one can have with EVs but also serves as a relatable entry point for newcomers, showcasing the potential joy and excitement that electric driving can bring.

Takeaways:

• The Plugged In Podcast continues to explore electric vehicles, catering to both newbies and experienced drivers.
• MTE's EV Ready program offers a straightforward application process for those installing EV chargers at home.
• The Nightflex rate incentivizes EV users to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours, saving them money.
• Rhett Miller shares his first electric vehicle experience, highlighting the unique sensations.
• Listeners can find a wealth of resources on the DriveV website regarding EV programs and charging locations.
• The podcast encourages feedback and topic suggestions from listeners to enhance future episodes.

Here's some more information you might find helpful to topics we referenced in this episode:

MTE's Electric Vehicle Programs & Educational Resources

• https://mte.com/DriveEV — Hub for all things electric vehicles at MTE

• https://mte.com/EVCarClub — MTE-sponsored car club for EV owners and enthusiasts interested in building a community in Middle Tennessee

• https://mte.com/EVReady — $50 incentive for MTE members or homebuilders installing level 2 chargers at their homes

Copyright 2024 Middle Tennessee Electric

Amy Byers: 00:00:04

Welcome to season three of MTE's Plugged in podcast.

Amy Byers: 00:00:07

This season we will continue to explore the world of electric vehicles.

Amy Byers: 00:00:12

Whether you're a seasoned EV driver or you're just beginning your journey into electric vehicles, this podcast is for you.

Amy Byers: 00:00:18

For a more enhanced experience, be sure to watch the video version of this podcast that will be linked in the show notes.

Amy Byers: 00:00:24

Hello, everyone, and welcome to MTE's Playground Plugged in podcast.

Amy Byers: 00:00:27

I'm Amy Byers and I'm here with Brandon Wagner.

Brandon Wagner: 00:00:30

Hey, Amy.

Brandon Wagner: 00:00:31

And hello, everybody.

Brandon Wagner: 00:00:33

Today we're kicking off season three of the Plugged in podcast.

Brandon Wagner: 00:00:36

So we thought it'd be a good time to kind of recap what we're doing with the drive EV programs, including MTE's ev ready program and our nightflex rate.

Brandon Wagner: 00:00:45

It might be a good time to update everyone on that.

Amy Byers: 00:00:48

Yeah, and also we're going to chat with Rhett Miller today.

Amy Byers: 00:00:52

And Rhett is the digital media coordinator here at MTekhe, and he has actually taken over the production of our podcast.

Amy Byers: 00:01:00

So he's new to Mte and he's new to the EV world.

Amy Byers: 00:01:05

He has never driven an EV before, doesn't know a lot about it.

Amy Byers: 00:01:09

We're going to remedy that today, and then we're going to talk to him a little bit about his experience.

Amy Byers: 00:01:14

But first, let's get started with reviewing MTE's drive EV programs.

Amy Byers: 00:01:21

So first of all, we'll start with the EV ready program.

Amy Byers: 00:01:26

What is the EV ready program?

Brandon Wagner: 00:01:27

Yeah, well, MTE launched our ev ready program a few years ago, and it's a very simple, straightforward process where if you install a 240 volts service in your garage, you can fill an online form out and get $50 on your electric bill.

Brandon Wagner: 00:01:46

So it's a nice little adder.

Brandon Wagner: 00:01:50

We recognize there's some costs associated with installing a charger, and so we're hoping that this helps out with that a little bit.

Brandon Wagner: 00:01:58

And we actually, we're working with new homes as well as new homes are getting built, we're offering them a version of that as well.

Amy Byers: 00:02:05

So to apply for that, I know you said fill out a form.

Amy Byers: 00:02:08

Where's the form?

Brandon Wagner: 00:02:09

Yeah, just go to mte.com, evready or drivev.com and find there'll be a link there and you can submit the whole thing online.

Brandon Wagner: 00:02:19

So it's pretty easy and straightforward.

Brandon Wagner: 00:02:22

If you're in the middle of filling it out and you do have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to evcarclubte.com dot.

Brandon Wagner: 00:02:30

We're happy to help you okay?

Amy Byers: 00:02:32

And so another thing this is, it's been around for a little bit, but it's still a fairly new program is the Nightflex rate.

Amy Byers: 00:02:40

started that in the spring of: 2023

Amy Byers: 00:02:44

Why don't first give us a little bit of history about that rate, how it came about, and then we'll kind of talk about, does it work for people?

Amy Byers: 00:02:56

Are people saving money?

Amy Byers: 00:02:57

You know, just kind of give us that whole overview on the Nightflex rate.

Brandon Wagner: 00:03:01

One of the things I love about this podcast is it gives us a chance to have a peek behind the curtain and share a little bit about what we're focused on as a utility and as a cooperative.

Brandon Wagner: 00:03:12

We're always looking for ways to serve our members, make their lives better.

Brandon Wagner: 00:03:17

And at the same time, we're looking at EV as a very different technology.

Brandon Wagner: 00:03:23

It's the first technology where it doesn't really matter to the end user when it's charged.

Brandon Wagner: 00:03:33

All it really matters is when you get in it, you want it to be charged, but it's very different than heating, heating and air load, because if you're hot, you want that air conditioner turn on immediately.

Brandon Wagner: 00:03:44

So this is a dispatchable load.

Brandon Wagner: 00:03:46

And the technology allows us to program our cars to start charging at certain times.

Brandon Wagner: 00:03:52

And there is a way that is beneficial to the grid that if our EV drivers were to charge in this particular way, it would save us from having to go build a whole lot of extra infrastructure to serve.

Brandon Wagner: 00:04:05

It would get extra life out of the, the infrastructure we built.

Brandon Wagner: 00:04:09

And so we're trying to take some of that savings and then share that with the members.

Brandon Wagner: 00:04:13

So give them some pricing so that if they can move that charging overnight, then they can save some money on their bill.

Brandon Wagner: 00:04:21

So the way it's sort of, we've made this, it's the first rate like this in the Tennessee valley, and we wanted it to be simple.

Brandon Wagner: 00:04:31

So it's basically whatever the standard rate is for the month.

Brandon Wagner: 00:04:35

Let's just say $0.10 for the month is kind of around the average.

Brandon Wagner: 00:04:41

Then from: 10:00

Brandon Wagner: 00:04:43

to: 04:00

Brandon Wagner: 00:04:45

6 hours, you're going to get a three cent per kilowatt hour reduction of that.

Brandon Wagner: 00:04:49

So if it's $0.10 as the standard, you'll pay $0.07 during that window.

Brandon Wagner: 00:04:54

The rest of the day you're going to pay an extra penny.

Brandon Wagner: 00:04:57

So you'll pay $0.11 versus ten cents.

Brandon Wagner: 00:05:00

And what I've seen, we have 250 members right now that are on the rate and the savings are just sort of all over the place because different lifestyles, if you work from home or if you have gas heat or electric heat, all of that factors in.

Brandon Wagner: 00:05:16

But I'm seeing some people save up to 15% on their bill and some people like me, I think I saved the first twelve months I was on, I saved dollar 30.

Brandon Wagner: 00:05:27

So it's not, you know, it's not going to make me wealthy by any means.

Brandon Wagner: 00:05:32

t setting my car to charge at: 10:00

Brandon Wagner: 00:05:38

and by the way, I don't have a level two charger, so that is just a level one charger.

Brandon Wagner: 00:05:42

And I had an extra $30.

Brandon Wagner: 00:05:44

So it's a convenient, simple.

Brandon Wagner: 00:05:48

What we try to do too is tell folks to try it for a month.

Brandon Wagner: 00:05:51

And then if you want to give us a call, we can run an analysis and sort of give you an idea of, of what your potential is.

Amy Byers: 00:05:58

And you know, there's other things you can do as well.

Amy Byers: 00:06:02

You know, I know dishwashers now usually have those delayed starts.

Amy Byers: 00:06:06

You know, if you could just like load it and then do that delayed start where it wouldn't start until you got into that time period, you know, other things like that.

Brandon Wagner: 00:06:14

Yeah, and I'm glad you said that because I didn't really do a good job of explaining it.

Brandon Wagner: 00:06:19

It is a whole home rate, so it doesn't look just that your ev charging load, and you don't have to have an EV to be on it.

Brandon Wagner: 00:06:26

There are several folks that they want it, and they came from a part of the country where they're used to shifting their energy usage and they don't have an EV.

Brandon Wagner: 00:06:36

And that's totally fine, but we want to be realistic about expectations in that sort of situation.

Brandon Wagner: 00:06:42

But yeah, I mean, outside of my Ev, I haven't really tried to do.

Amy Byers: 00:06:45

That to game the system.

Brandon Wagner: 00:06:47

I'm getting a little more part of it is I'm getting a little lazy.

Brandon Wagner: 00:06:50

So I'll kind of get my wash ready and I'll have it in the dryer and I'll just hit it right before I go to bed.

Amy Byers: 00:06:56

For information on the night, flex.

Amy Byers: 00:06:59

Right.

Amy Byers: 00:06:59

And if you have questions out there that I haven't thought to ask you, you can go to evcarclubte.com, comma, email those questions.

Amy Byers: 00:07:08

And there's a lot more information on the drivev.com page.

Amy Byers: 00:07:13

And speaking of the drivev.com page, that is the main resource for all things the EV programs that we have.

Amy Byers: 00:07:23

So you can get information on the night flex rate, you can get information on the EV ready program.

Amy Byers: 00:07:31

You can get model comparisons.

Amy Byers: 00:07:34

We actually link with TVA's EV site for a lot of this stuff.

Amy Byers: 00:07:39

And TVA has done a great job in some of the stuff they have done.

Amy Byers: 00:07:44

I know I got on that model comparison page and it goes for days.

Amy Byers: 00:07:49

Like I was like, oh my goodness, I had no idea.

Amy Byers: 00:07:52

And there were some, some makes that I had never even heard of before that they have got on there.

Amy Byers: 00:08:00

So definitely anything you could.

Amy Byers: 00:08:02

And they have like the, how, you know, the charge, how long of a charge you're going to have.

Amy Byers: 00:08:07

They have the prices on there.

Amy Byers: 00:08:08

So it's really a good, like one sheeter.

Amy Byers: 00:08:11

Well, it's more than one sheeter because you're scrolling for days.

Amy Byers: 00:08:13

But you know, a good at a glance look at, at model comparisons.

Amy Byers: 00:08:17

If you're, if you're in the market, there is also a link to find charging locations.

Amy Byers: 00:08:24

That's where the plugged in podcast lives.

Amy Byers: 00:08:26

So if you want a quick look at the plugged in podcast, you can go there.

Amy Byers: 00:08:31

And then if you are not a member of the EV car club and you would like to be a member of an EV car club, you can go.

Amy Byers: 00:08:40

And the information is on that page as well.

Amy Byers: 00:08:42

And then we also have links to a video series that TVA did with Ev's called in charge.

Brandon Wagner: 00:08:49

Amy, I'm glad you were sort of talking about all those things on that website.

Brandon Wagner: 00:08:53

One of the things that MTE is trying to do is position ourselves as a resource for folks that are thinking about EV's or have questions.

Brandon Wagner: 00:09:00

But we also, we want to be more than just a resource.

Brandon Wagner: 00:09:02

We really want to be a leader in this space.

Brandon Wagner: 00:09:04

So actually, I've heard that at least one other utility has adopted the night flex rate that we created.

Brandon Wagner: 00:09:11

I'm excited we're trying to pilot that or pioneer that effort in the valley.

Brandon Wagner: 00:09:18

But I also just want to make it clear because people might see that and think, well, we've done what we're going to do, and I don't think that's the case.

Brandon Wagner: 00:09:27

I see this as a starting line and not a finish line.

Brandon Wagner: 00:09:31

We are all the time researching other technology things and trying to figure out what other ways.

Brandon Wagner: 00:09:38

If the nightflix rate is not a rate that suits somebody, we're not going to say, well, that's all we have.

Brandon Wagner: 00:09:44

We're looking for other ways we can help our members save money and accommodate this charging load lifestyle that will benefit the grid.

Amy Byers: 00:09:53

So again, for any information, any questions, drivev.com or email us at the evcarclubte.com dot.

Amy Byers: 00:10:04

So now we're going to change directions a little bit, and we're going to take a quick pause and we're going to bring in Rhett Miller to the podcast.

Amy Byers: 00:10:14

So, Rhett, welcome to MtE's plugged in podcast.

Amy Byers: 00:10:18

And to the MTE, not only the MTE family, but the plugged in podcast and the Evcar club family.

Amy Byers: 00:10:27

So we're happy to have you.

Amy Byers: 00:10:28

You are our new, I don't know what, whether it be the production manager, video executive producer, all the things that is the Evdeenen podcast you're in charge of.

Amy Byers: 00:10:42

So we do, we do recordings like regular podcasts.

Amy Byers: 00:10:44

What people may not realize if they're just listening to us is we do a video of every single one of these podcasts as well, that lives on Middle Tennessee Electric's YouTube channel.

Amy Byers: 00:10:56

And this would be one of those that you would want to watch the video on because we did a little drive with you and there'll be some video of that.

Amy Byers: 00:11:05

But before we get into all of that, Rhett, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Rhett Miller: 00:11:09

Thank you.

Rhett Miller: 00:11:10

Thank you for having me.

Rhett Miller: 00:11:11

I'm still pretty new to the MTE universe and definitely the EV Car club and podcast.

Rhett Miller: 00:11:18

So I'm excited to be here.

Rhett Miller: 00:11:19

Thank you for having me.

Rhett Miller: 00:11:20

I've already learned a ton.

Rhett Miller: 00:11:21

If you wanted a newbie on the show, you got one.

Rhett Miller: 00:11:25

Because I don't know a whole lot about electric cars.

Rhett Miller: 00:11:27

I already learned a lot and looking forward to learning some more.

Amy Byers: 00:11:31

Well, we did want a newbie, and we kind of, you know, we knew that.

Amy Byers: 00:11:39

And before I get to the next thing, did you know anything about Ev's?

Amy Byers: 00:11:44

What was your EV exposure before you started here?

Rhett Miller: 00:11:48

Very little, I think.

Rhett Miller: 00:11:50

You know, obviously, I've heard about them over the years, watched videos and my only physical reference point, I've ridden in the back of a Tesla for about five minutes one time.

Rhett Miller: 00:12:01

So that was the extent of my knowledge.

Amy Byers: 00:12:03

That was it.

Amy Byers: 00:12:04

Well, before the Brandon, before the podcast, I took red out in a Ford lightning.

Amy Byers: 00:12:13

And so, and that's what I'm saying.

Amy Byers: 00:12:15

You need to go back and watch the video of this because we tried to get some footage of him getting in there.

Amy Byers: 00:12:22

And let's talk about that experience.

Amy Byers: 00:12:23

And I have to tell him a little bit.

Amy Byers: 00:12:25

The first thing we got in the, he's punching it, and I think he, like, started it and stopped it and started it and stopped it.

Amy Byers: 00:12:31

And he was like, is it on.

Amy Byers: 00:12:32

And I was like, yes, they don't make sound.

Amy Byers: 00:12:34

It's on.

Amy Byers: 00:12:35

So that's kind of how we started the ride along.

Amy Byers: 00:12:41

Like, you just had to push it once, but.

Amy Byers: 00:12:43

So tell us a little bit about.

Amy Byers: 00:12:46

Let's talk about our ride along.

Amy Byers: 00:12:47

So tell us your first impressions.

Rhett Miller: 00:12:51

Yeah, well, when Amy says she took me out, she basically gave me the keys and said, you take me out, you're driving.

Rhett Miller: 00:12:57

So I was like, I don't know if that's a good idea.

Rhett Miller: 00:13:00

But the experience was kind of weird because the screens came on and it all appeared to be running, but there's no vibration.

Rhett Miller: 00:13:08

I compared it earlier to Amy.

Rhett Miller: 00:13:10

It's like a video game or something.

Rhett Miller: 00:13:12

I feel like we're driving down the road and it's driving, but I don't have any of the sensations that I have associated all these years of driving a vibrating vehicle.

Rhett Miller: 00:13:21

So it's kind of like a surreal experience in some regards.

Amy Byers: 00:13:25

Yeah.

Amy Byers: 00:13:25

And he said, you know, as we're riding along, he said that it's like a simulation, you know?

Amy Byers: 00:13:31

And we did get him.

Amy Byers: 00:13:32

You know, we were just kind of driving around this area, so we didn't have, like, you know, long places to go, but we got on a little stretch, and there didn't seem to be any traffic.

Amy Byers: 00:13:41

And so I was like, okay, punch it.

Amy Byers: 00:13:45

So you did?

Brandon Wagner: 00:13:46

Yeah.

Rhett Miller: 00:13:46

That was something that I've heard a lot about it.

Rhett Miller: 00:13:49

And I told Amy, sort of like, maybe you have some ice cream that you've never tasted.

Rhett Miller: 00:13:54

And somebody was like, well, here's kind of what it would taste like, and you can imagine it, but until you actually taste it.

Rhett Miller: 00:14:00

So to get to actually, I've heard about the punch.

Rhett Miller: 00:14:03

Zero to 5 miles an hour was about the same feeling and sensation of five to 50 miles an hour.

Rhett Miller: 00:14:09

Like, it just was so smooth.

Rhett Miller: 00:14:11

And I'd heard about that, but now that I've experienced it, it really clicks what people are talking about.

Rhett Miller: 00:14:18

And I can really associate the experience with the description now.

Brandon Wagner: 00:14:22

Yeah, that's one reason they do so many ride and drives, because if you talk to some of these manufacturers, they'll tell you the best sales tool they can do is get somebody to sit in it and try it out, because it's just.

Brandon Wagner: 00:14:34

There is no way to describe it until you do it.

Amy Byers: 00:14:37

Exactly.

Amy Byers: 00:14:37

So has your.

Amy Byers: 00:14:39

I don't know that you had an opinion before, but if you did, had that opinion changed any?

Rhett Miller: 00:14:44

Yeah, no, I didn't really have any opinions either way, other than, like I said, it was really eye opening to get to put a sensational experience to what I'd heard.

Rhett Miller: 00:14:54

I think I mentioned to you earlier, too, it's sort of like you have five senses.

Rhett Miller: 00:14:58

And so all of my years of driving on the road, I hear the vehicle running, and I can feel it vibrating.

Rhett Miller: 00:15:05

Two of those were taken away because there is no vibration, there's no noise.

Rhett Miller: 00:15:09

And so it's just like a video game.

Rhett Miller: 00:15:11

Like, I can see visually that we're driving down the road.

Rhett Miller: 00:15:15

I'm turning the wheel.

Rhett Miller: 00:15:16

This is real, but it doesn't feel to what it should feel like and be like.

Rhett Miller: 00:15:20

It was just a very interesting experience.

Rhett Miller: 00:15:22

And she said Ev's can spark like a Sunday joyride experience.

Amy Byers: 00:15:26

Yeah.

Amy Byers: 00:15:26

The thrill.

Amy Byers: 00:15:27

You know what I was telling me?

Amy Byers: 00:15:29

It's that joy of driving has kind of come back, you know, where people used to just go for a drive on a Sunday, you know that.

Amy Byers: 00:15:35

And I think Ev's are just.

Amy Byers: 00:15:36

They are fun.

Amy Byers: 00:15:37

You say it all the time.

Amy Byers: 00:15:38

It's all about fun.

Brandon Wagner: 00:15:39

It is.

Amy Byers: 00:15:39

And they are fun.

Brandon Wagner: 00:15:40

Well, I'm really glad that you're part of this team.

Brandon Wagner: 00:15:43

I know you and Amy get to work together more than I'll get to.

Brandon Wagner: 00:15:47

But for those that don't know how much work goes into every episode of this that Rhett does behind the scenes and just, I appreciate it.

Brandon Wagner: 00:16:00

It really makes Amy and I look better than we really deserve, but appreciate all the efforts.

Brandon Wagner: 00:16:07

And just in the short amount of time we got to know you.

Brandon Wagner: 00:16:09

I'm really glad you're part of the team.

Rhett Miller: 00:16:11

Thank you for having me on.

Rhett Miller: 00:16:12

I like to be behind the camera.

Amy Byers: 00:16:14

So, yeah, I was going to say that, I know I kind of had to twist your arm a little bit, and I appreciate you doing that, and I won't make you do this again.

Amy Byers: 00:16:22

But we are all very, very excited about season three of the plugged in podcast.

Amy Byers: 00:16:28

We have some great guests lined up with a lot of different interesting topics.

Amy Byers: 00:16:32

We've already filmed some episodes, so we just got a lot in store.

Amy Byers: 00:16:37

So make sure to tune in, make sure to check out our videos as well on the YouTube channel, and we'll start linking those videos in our show notes as well.

Amy Byers: 00:16:53

So you can go to the show notes and go to the video without having to really search for it.

Amy Byers: 00:16:58

We also are looking for ideas for podcasts.

Amy Byers: 00:17:01

I mean, we need to know what.

Amy Byers: 00:17:03

We need to know what you want to know about.

Amy Byers: 00:17:05

We can guess, we can think of it, but really, we want to make sure we're providing the information that people want to hear.

Amy Byers: 00:17:13

So if you have any ideas, anything you want us to talk about, just give us an email@evcarclubte.com.

Amy Byers: 00:17:23

thanks to everyone who was listening today.

Amy Byers: 00:17:26

If you have any questions about MTE's EV ready program, the Nightflex rate, the EV Car Club, or anything EV related, go to drivev.com or email us@evcarclubte.com.

Amy Byers: 00:17:39

until next time, plug in, power up and drive safe.