Cracker Barrel & EV Charging Stations...
     Since I purchased my Chevy Volt a few months ago, I have realized a new freedom. Freedom from the pump. It has been 5 weeks now since I filled the auxiliary fuel tank on the car. At the time of this post, I have driven about 1,600 miles and have burned approximately 3 gallons of petrol. Most of this "fuel free" driving is due in part to ECOtality, Blink and partners like Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores.
     I salute Cracker Barrel as it continues to drive its support of electric vehicle (EV) travel. They are a major participant in The EV Project. The EV Project is an initiative designed to increase the adoption of electric vehicles by creating a solid charging infrastructure across the country. The EV Project is managed by ECOtality, a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies.
     To date, Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores has deployed the one of the largest portions of the EV infrastructure in Tennessee. Their goal is to install electric vehicle chargers at select locations in “The Tennessee Triangle,” the 425-mile stretch of interstate highway that connects Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. When completed, 24 Cracker Barrel locations will have charging stations. Most will be Level 2 and a select few will have the newer Level 3 "quick charge" stations. If desired, patrons could drive the entire 425 miles of the Tennessee Triangle by re-charging at Cracker Barrel locations along the way.

Tennessee Triangle
     While ownership of electric cars is small as compared to traditional vehicles, there is great curiosity about them. I often get asked about my EV while plugging in at a Cracker Barrel. I am more than happy to field questions and talk about the benefits of EV's. While eating, I have even seen curious on-lookers stop to snap pictures.
     I thank Cracker Barrel for taking an active role in exploring energy alternatives that are aimed at protecting the environment, as well as strengthening the economy. Because their environmental efforts are in concert with mine, I frequent this popular dining establishment. Not only can I  feast on the finest food that Uncle Hershel can muster up, I also get the opportunity to "top off" the battery to boot.

Chevy Volt charging at Brentwood, TN Cracker Barrel

This posting and the contents herein is the intellectual property of Michael Thornton, CEO of The Complete Group.

Complete Home Inspections, Inc
615.661.0297
Brentwood, TN
 
Our Website address is:

This post is a contribution to the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.

 

 
This post has been included in Tennessee Real Estate News Williamson County, TN Real Estate News Brentwood, TN Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Totally Tennessee
Post is included in group: Tennessee Highways and Byways
Post is included in group: Blogs Happen...
Post is included in group: Posts to Localism
Post is included in group: Nashville Real Estate

47 Comments on Cracker Barrel & EV Charging Stations...

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JUL
29
311,616 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Brilliant marketing by Cracker Barrel.  While you are charging your car, you have nothing else to do but eat and shop in their store.
11:07am • #28
223,227 Points 6 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Now TWO great reasons to eat at Cracker Barrel!!! Our closest is 150 miles away buit we still get there often!!
11:17am • #29
569,044 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Michael,  Great ad for cracker barrel.  Have you done a comparison between cost and fuel savings ?
11:45am • #30
392,656 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Wow, glad to see this.  I cannot wait for the day to see more of these charging stations.  So far, I've only noticed them at the local Costco.
12:57pm • #31
226,672 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog

This a great forward thinking post.  I had no idea that Cracker Barrel was such a big part of the EV movement.  Refreshing!
1:53pm • #32
256,377 Points 2 Featured Posts

The Chevy Volt has answered my lifelong question about electric cars, "why can't they make an attractive looking electric car".  It's a nice, sporty looking car.  I'm actually considering buying one in the near future.  Glad to hear that charging station are becoming more prevalent.
2:27pm • #33
757,051 Points 37 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Michael ....Great post as always ...My favorite place to eat lunch! It doesn't surprise me that they would be ahead of the curve!

Congrats on another great feature!

Have a great night!
3:46pm • #34
168,181 Points 50 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

This is so cool ... thanks for sharing the information!  And, kudos to Cracker Barrel for their commitment to supporting energy alternative methods for vehicles.
4:32pm • #36
794,864 Points 80 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Michael, i do think that this is amazing and incredible that you have these charging stops...not here...TN is the place to have the electric cars...btw, no finger twiddling today- actually busy at my open house.
4:46pm • #37
1,522,477 Points 162 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Very cool thar Cracker Barrel has taken the plunge to provide free charging stations.
5:33pm • #38
758,507 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Michael, a new car is in my future. I was thinking about the Prius but I may have to do some research on the Chevy Volt.
7:19pm • #39
JUL
30
1,222,227 Points 79 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good morning Michael,

I do think it is awesome that Cracker Barrel has made a commitment to providing free charging stations! Congrats on a great feature..well deserved!
5:02am • #40
998,700 Points 42 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I'm happy to hear Cracker Barrel has teamed up to help travelers charge their cars and enjoy some good Southern cooking.
1:05pm • #41
JUL
31
354,306 Points 30 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Michael,

I'm so glad you posted this one. I've been wanting to check out the Chevy Volt because I know this is the wave of the future; yet my previous Town Council in Flower Mound turned down a $14M project that Krogers wanted to build to include fueling stations for those electric cars - at no expense to the people of Flower Mound! Yikes! Needless today, nobody re-elected the Mayor or the people opposed to the $14 million dollar project, FREE to Flower Mound. Now that we have a new Town Coucil and Mayor, Krogers came back and they were approved.

I can't wait for the project to begin! In the meantime, I'll keep my eye on those car prices.

I hope you post more about the savings of not having to pay for fuel and let me know how that car work out for you.
4:06am • #42
630,902 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Michael: I thought I left a comment but my mind must be slowing. I was just checking back to read any additional comments that came in. What I thought I said in my comment was I didn't know if I could get all my home inspection equipment loaded.
6:33pm • #43
AUG
01
618,728 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

VERY interesting, Michael. You're riding the crest of the wave, one of the early adapters. Kudos to you--and to Cracker Barrel.
4:09am • #44
AUG
07
644,526 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Michael, I have been wondering about the cost to fully recharge the volt. So how far can you drive on a trip without stopping(elec and gas)?
2:07pm • #45
AUG
08
644,526 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Michael, so are you limitd to 40 miles total without a recharge? Can you choose to just run on the gas when the battery is depleted?
7:49am • #46
DEC
09
636,161 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Now that we get to keep our Green President, I suspect more stimulas money in the works for these type of projects. I understand that a lot of the money allocated hasn't even been spent yet, but some smart companies like Cracker Barrel has taken advantage of it.
6:50am • #47
DEC
16
732,076 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Michael...love to have a Chevy Volt, however little incentives here in Canada to buy them. Although one company say the'll cover electrical costs for the cars first 2 years. Their base Price is over $42,000 and few recharging stations in Victoria BC and Vancouver island....so far.

Merry Christmas

 
9:50pm • #48

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

Login or register to leave a comment
 
Adsc_2328 Ambassador_large

Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297

Brentwood, TN

More about me…

Complete Home Inspections, Inc.

Address: 217 Jamestown Park Road, Suite 12, Brentwood, TN, 37027

Office Phone: (615) 661-0297

Cell Phone: (615) 473-8803

Email Me



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog