PORTLAND, Oregon — Electric vehicles come with environmental benefits and another perk: Drivers can fuel at home or at work.
For people who don't have that option, Portland General Electric (PGE), Pacific Power and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) are quickly expanding the list of public charging stations available.
"It's a better way to drive, it's better environmentally, convenience-wise, lack of maintenance, you can fuel at home and leave every morning with a full tank," said Gary Exner, a member and former president of the nonprofit, Oregon Electric Vehicle Association.
Exner has been touting the merits of EVs for more than a decade. He shared his wife's experience when they purchased their first EV in 2014.
"It took her about a week before she said, 'I didn't know how much of a pain it was to go to the gas station until I didn't have to anymore,'" Exner said.
He added that many people who transition from gas-powered vehicles to EVs have a similar experience.
"Critical to that is convenient charging, at home, where you work, somewhere where you park for a long time is critical to the EV ownership experience," Exner said.
EV public charging stations in Oregon
When drivers make the switch from gas-powered cars to EVs, figuring out where to find reliable public charging is a often a big question mark.
There are about 2,900 public EV charging ports throughout Oregon, according to Matt Noble with ODOT. About 800 of those are fast-chargers, where charging for 20 minutes will get an EV close to a full charge from being empty.
"We have a community charging rebates program that funds the installation and purchase of level two EV charges at places where EVs spend more time," Noble said.
Level two charging is slower; four hours may result in around a 100-mile range. That works well for the vast majority of drivers who travel less than 40 miles a day.
Apps including PlugShare show in real-time where to find charging stations across the U.S., including in Oregon.
Expanding EV charging in public spaces and at homes
Through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, Oregon will receive $52 million over five years for EV fast-charging along major roads in the state. The program requires that states match 20% of funding they receive, so that will effectively give Oregon about $65 million in total.
"We're really excited that the federal government is supportive of this effort, as are we to really address the needs of today of EV drivers throughout the state," Noble said.
Pacific Power is also investing in fast-charging EV infrastructure. From 2023-2025, the utility company plans to support over 2,000 ports for public and private use. Pacific Power is also offering rebates as incentives for customers to install chargers at home.
Meanwhile, PGE recently unveiled a website, PGE+, that guides EV drivers on setting up charging at home. The website can help people determine what's the right electrical equipment or appliances for their needs. It can also connect them to rebates and discounts, and can hook them up with a contractor for the installation.
The Oregon Electric Vehicle Association is holding a test drive expo from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 28. It will be at Daimler Truck's North American headquarters on Swan Island in Portland. Pacific Power representatives and EV owners will be there to answer questions, and you'll have the chance to drive up to 24 different EVs. You can register at OEVA.org.
Chris McGinness is a meteorologist and reporter for KGW News. Email him here and reach out on social media: Facebook, Instagram and X
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