US-based company CarCharging has entered into a partnership with Knoxville City Council to operate and maintain the Blink EV charging stations.

Under the terms of the agreement, CarCharging will own and operate 14 Blink EV charging stations in Knoxville, Tennessee. The stations were originally installed in association with the US Department of Energy’s EV Project.

"We believe that these stations are the critical infrastructure necessary to support use of vehicles that consume less energy and produce fewer emissions."

Following the move, Blink’s current standard charging fees of $1 an hour for Blink members and $2 an hour for Blink guests at Level 2 stations will also be applied to these stations, beginning on 1 July.

Knoxville sustainability director Erin Gill has said that the city is looking forward to working with CarCharging to ensure the continued operation and maintenance of the Blink electric car-charging stations.

"We believe that these stations are the critical infrastructure necessary to support use of vehicles that consume less energy and produce fewer emissions," Gill said.

CarCharging founder and chief executive officer Michael Farkas said: "With the various new business models that we have available and the enhancements made to the Blink Network, we are confident that we can provide Blink hosts and members with exceptional service."

Customers can locate the city’s EV charging station locations using the maps on the official Blink and CarCharging websites and mobile apps.