Who?
A group of state and local government, higher education, and businesses — including PGE — is working to expand the electric vehicle infrastructure in Oregon, to bring the newest electric vehicles to market here and develop new business opportunities that benefit the environment.

What?
One outcome of that work is Oregon’s selection for what is known as “The EV Project” funded by a U.S. Department of Energy grant. The EV Project will bring thousands of electric vehicles and charging stations to homes, businesses and municipalities in six states (including Oregon) and Washington, D.C., in the next few years.

Another outcome is that Portland State University and PGE have created a strategic alliance to support research, economic development, community projects, and professional training on all aspects of “Urban Mobility,” including electric vehicles.

Through this and projects with other manufacturers, PGE is helping to expand electric vehicles in Oregon and advance the understanding of EV usage patterns and their impact on the electrical grid.

We’re also partnering with local governments and business to encourage a burgeoning industry of electric-vehicle manufacturers and service providers in Oregon.

As a result of some of this work, the state of Oregon has recently been selected to receive the E-Visionary Award from the Electric Drive Transportation Association for the state’s leadership in transitioning to an electrified transportation system. The award recognizes Oregon’s success in building the necessary infrastructure, such as a network of electric vehicle charging stations, and establishing incentives to support practical and widespread use of EVs in the near future. Oregon is the first state to win this industry award.

Where?
The EV Project will place more than 2,000 charging stations in the Portland metro area, Salem, Eugene and Corvallis by 2013. This is one of many fronts in which electric vehicle and charging station manufacturers are looking to expand in Oregon.

Simultaneous EV Project installations will occur in Washington, California, Arizona and Tennessee. West Coast stations will further near-term efforts to create an electric-capable I-5 corridor between San Diego, CA and Vancouver, BC.

The ultimate goal is to make local and long-distance electric vehicle travel a reality with a fully developed, nationwide charging-station infrastructure.

When?
Oregon’s own homegrown companies, like Arcimoto and Brammo, are already producing two and three-wheeled vehicles for the market.

Beginning in 2010, several major automobile manufacturers will bring new all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to market. Oregon will be center stage as an early test market.

Why?
Electric vehicles provide economic, political and environmental benefits. But to make them practical, we need electric vehicle infrastructure along the nation’s major travel routes and in key locations throughout the state.

Expanding that infrastructure will also provide jobs. By 2012, it is anticipated more than 750 new jobs will be generated nationwide by the US Department of Energy grant project. Its support of the market launch of the Nissan LEAF alone is expected to directly result in more than 5,500 new U.S. jobs by 2017. Other manufacturer activity is sure to create additional jobs in Oregon and nationwide, too.

Eventually, Oregon’s electric vehicle charging station network may also link to the smart grid of the future. That will contribute to increased efficiency, backup-power generation, promotion of renewable energy and long-term savings.