Inside Electri-CITY: Why this Memphis EV hub is a first-of-its-kind national model
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers have long been calling for more – and better – charging options. While fast chargers have started popping up across the country, few offer more than a place to plug in and wait. That changes with Electri-CITY, a new EV charging hub in Memphis that redefines what charging infrastructure can and should look like.
Located at Chuck Hutton Toyota and spearheaded by YK Auto Group, Electri-CITY is the first EV charging station in the United States to combine cutting-edge solar charging technology with a dedicated, experience-driven facility for drivers and their passengers.
A national first: More than a charger
What makes Electri-CITY stand out? Unlike traditional charging stations that consist of a row of chargers in a parking lot, Electri-CITY is a fully integrated, standalone EV destination, combining the infrastructure of a high-capacity solar charging network with a purpose-built structure for EV users.
Drivers can access both fast, reliable charging via the 12 ChargePoint stations and a full suite of modern amenities designed to make the most of their time on site. This innovation places Memphis at the forefront of EV infrastructure development and sustainability in the U.S. automotive industry.
Welcome to Electri-CITY Park: EV charging meets experience
At the heart of the Electri-CITY development is a premium lounge housed within Electri-CITY Park. For an hourly fee, EV drivers receive a QR code granting access to this climate-controlled facility while their vehicles charge.
What’s inside? The lounge is designed for everyone – from solo commuters to families on the go. Amenities include:
● Air-conditioned lounge seating
● Soundproof office pods for remote workers
● A children’s play area
● A dog park for four-legged passengers
● A golf simulator for leisure and fun
This isn’t just a waiting room – it’s a full-on EV experience, offering relaxation, productivity, and play while your vehicle recharges.
Leading the way in sustainable design
Electri-CITY is also a model of sustainability. The chargers and amenities are powered by a five-acre solar farm – designed, installed, and monitored by Freedom Solar Power and built on previously unused land adjacent to the dealership. The station also features SmartFlower solar panels, which track the sun throughout the day for maximum efficiency.
Together, this infrastructure makes Chuck Hutton Toyota one of the only dealerships in the country – and the only one in Memphis – using solar power to drive their EV charging stations.
Electri-CITY doesn’t stop at clean energy. The project is also part of Chuck Hutton Toyota’s commitment to sustainable design, biodiversity, and water conservation. The building that houses Electri-CITY Park has achieved Toyota’s Innovative Dealer Environmental Excellence Program (DEEP) Bronze status for features such as high-performance insulation and ventilation systems, water refill stations, over 400 trees planted onsite, and more.
Why this matters for Memphis – and beyond
As the EV market continues to grow, so does the demand for more robust, user-friendly infrastructure. Electri-CITY is not only meeting demand, it’s raising the standard.
This Memphis-built model demonstrates how local dealerships and cities can lead the way in national sustainability efforts, consumer satisfaction, and EV innovation. Electri-CITY shows that the future of charging doesn’t have to be inconvenient or bland. It can be clean, comfortable, and even fun.
For drivers across the country, Electri-CITY proves that EV infrastructure can be a sought-out destination.