Friday Oregon became the first state
in the nation to establish a vehicle charging station along a major interstate,
the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced.

Working with AeroVironment and the Oregon Department of Energy, ODOT said eight charging stations with two
outlets at each are available for public use. Two more will be installed soon
near Cottage Grove.

“As the first state in the nation to
establish an EV charging infrastructure
along a major interstate, Oregon is leading the EV (electric vehicle) pathway
and supporting adoption of the next phase in the evolution of transportation,”
said Pat Egan in a press release.

Egan, the chair of the Oregon Transportation
Commission and vice president of customer and community affairs for Pacific
Power, went on to say: “Once Oregon’s segment of the West Coast Electric
Highway is completed, EV drivers will be able to travel from Ashland to
Portland at a fraction of the cost of filling a gas tank and with no direct emissions.”

Eventually, the electric highway will allow electric vehicle drivers to
travel from San Diego to Vancouver, B.C., without relying on carbon-based fuel.
These so-called ‘fast’ charging stations can provide a full charge for an EV in
less than 30 minutes.

“Plug-in vehicles are increasing in popularity, with many new models coming
to market in 2012,” said Art James, senior project executive with the Oregon
Department of Transportation.

Currently, the stations are paced about 25 miles apart—each stop is
equipped with two charging stations, one of which is a ‘fast’ charger. An
additional 40 more stations are expected to be operational in Oregon and
Washington by year’s end, according to the press release.

 “With the price of gas increasing, Oregon wants to provide more
transportation alternatives,” said Oregon Department of Energy Director Bob
Repine in a press release. “It’s important that Oregonians have clean
transportation options.”

Drivers can sign up for access to the charging station by signing up for
the AV Charging Network.
Upon enrollment, drivers will receive a key fob that can access the stations
along the West Coast Electric Highway.

 “Together, AeroVironment, the Oregon
Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Energy are delivering
on the promise of transportation that promotes energy independence and frees
drivers from fluctuating gas prices,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment senior
vice president.

Photos: Oregon Department of Transportation