Oregon is taking steps to increase the number of public fast-charging electric vehicle stations across the state through a federal grant program. The Oregon Department of Transportation received $52 million from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program to be used over the next five years. The aim is to create a better network of public DC fast chargers along popular highway corridors.
The first round of funding has opened to 19 pre-qualified EV charging companies, with an expectation of awarding between $7.5 and $12 million in federal funding, with additional private matching funds available. The companies will focus on creating fast charging stations along major highways in the Portland area, south of Eugene, and on Highway 97. The goal is to install, own, and maintain the charging infrastructure.
Currently, Oregon has seen a steady increase in electric vehicle sales, with more than 89,000 electric vehicles registered in the state. However, access to fast chargers is limited in certain areas, prompting the need for more stations. The federally funded program could see the addition of 65 new stations, potentially adding about 260 additional chargers over the next five years.
ODOT expects to invest in EV charging stations through at least four rounds of funding over the next five years. A recently received $10 million federal grant will be used to repair or replace broken public EV charging ports throughout the state, with a focus on ensuring maintenance for a minimum of five years. Repairs could begin by the end of the year, with a focus on encouraging applicants to maintain chargers for a 10-year period.
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