PORTLAND, Oregon — The state of Oregon is up over 95,000 registered electric vehicles (EVs), Washington, now surpasses 166,000 (new numbers should be available quarterly) making our region among the tops in EV adoption across the U.S. See where each state stacks up below in this report from the U.S. Department of Energy.
It’s national drive electric week — a week's worth of informational gatherings, and test drive events across the U.S. to help spur the continued adoption of EVs by drivers looking to making meaningful impact on climate change.
The transportation sector currently accounts for about a third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, linked to climate change. A swift transition to fully electric or plug in hybrid electric vehicles is considered one of the fastest ways to cut down on transportation related emissions.
Happening locally — Pacific Power is hosting their annual EV event Thursday (Sept. 26) at their Lloyd Tower headquarters from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. "We have invited organizations to share more about projects supported by Pacific Power e-mobility grants, along with other partners " says Pampi Chowdhury with Pacific Power. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about electric vehicle ownership topics, such as EV adoption, charging, technology trends and rebates available for businesses and residential customers.
Meanwhile, Portland General Electric has several events lined up offering similar information over the next few weeks. On Saturday & Sunday, PGE is sponsoring a ride and drive event, at Portland Community College's Sylvania Campus (12000 SW 49th Ave, in Portland) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
They’re also sponsoring the Lake Oswego Electric Home and Vehicle Fair. Now, in its seventh year, the event offers EV test drives, and great insights from EV owners about their real-world experiences with EVs. And if you're mildly intrigued about the Tesla Cybertruck, there will be one at the show. Organizers are offering everyone who takes a test drive a chance to win one of fifty gift cards worth $25 each to local restaurants.
And experts will be on hand to talk about all the ways you can make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Duke Castle is one of the event founders, “Our basic strategy is electrify everything in your home, start with your car…. don't wait for your water heater or your furnace to, to die. Think about doing that early."
The show runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Lake Oswego United Methodist Church (855 South Shore Blvd.) In addition to test drives, representatives will be on hand to talk about energy incentives, heat pumps, solar power, electric landscaping and more.
To find more events near you, go the National Drive Electric Week homepage, and type in your zip code.