Nov. 8, 2012

For more information: Shelley M. Snow, Public Affairs, (503) 986-3438 (cell: 503-881-5362)

Newberg fast-charging station opens wine country,

coast, casinos and more to EVs

ODOT also announces new funding for 11 more charging stations

SALEM – A critical link in the infrastructure required to support Oregon’s growing electric vehicle industry – and open up some uncharted EV territory – went online today in Newberg. It’s an electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging station, located at the Chevron/Coyote Joe’s on Oregon 99W, and it gives EV owners a “fast” way to charge their vehicles between Interstate 5 and U.S. 101. Elected officials, partners in the project, business owners and EV enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the milestone, a part of the West Coast Electric Highway.

“This station is a vital element in our overall strategy of assuring EV owners they can travel – with peace of mind – on Oregon’s beautiful back roads and byways,” said Oregon Department of Transportation Senior Project Executive Art James. “It’s especially gratifying to be here today to see the successful partnerships that make this kind of thing happen.” James joined Newberg Mayor Bob Andrews in recognizing some of the key contributors to the project, including Portland General Electric, AeroVironment, Inc., the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce, ODOT’s Ashley Horvat, and Governor Kitzhaber, represented at the event by transportation policy advisor Lynn Peterson.

ODOT and its partners were also recognized for two recent accomplishments: receiving another round of funding from the Federal Highway Administration’s TIGER II program for 11 more charging stations, and the selection of the West Coast Electric Highway  as an FHWA 2012 joint Exemplary Ecosystem Initiative and Exemplary Human Environment Initiative award recipient. Oregon’s project was the only one this year in the country to receive both awards. It was recognized for creating a widespread network of electric vehicle charging opportunities between and among Oregon’s major population centers.

Eleven communities are being considered for the next round of charging stations, according to the TIGER II Steering Committee:
Aurora (I-5 Exit 278)
Coos Bay (Hwy 101)
Elkton (Hwy 38)
I-5 Exit 228 (Hwy 34)
Madras (Hwy 26, Hwy 97)
Mill City (Hwy 22)
Redmond (Hwy 97, Hwy 126)
Reedsport (Hwy 101 and 38)
Santiam Junction (Hwy 22, Hwy 126)
The Dalles (I-84, Hwy 197)
Warm Springs (Hwy 26)

These charging stations will bring the total number of stations funded by TIGER II in Oregon to 33. Installations should be complete by the end of 2013. EV owners also have access to numerous other charging stations located in cities and towns, at stores, shopping centers and in various parking areas. There are currently more than 1,600 plug-in EVs registered in Oregon, along with another 48,900 hybrids. To see a map of ODOT's EV charging stations, visit ODOT's Electric Vehicle website.

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Two photos on ODOT's FlickR account:http://flic.kr/s/aHsjuo7DNp