Oregon Expands EV Charging Network
Klamath Falls, Chemult and other highway communities selected for new federally funded fast charging stations
Tesla chargers in Cannon Beach (Image: ODOT)
OREGON - Electric vehicle drivers traveling through Oregon could soon have more places to recharge, including several new stops in Southern Oregon and Central Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Transportation has selected recipients for the second round of federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding, which will support 24 new public DC fast charging station locations along major roadways statewide.
The latest round includes planned charging sites in Klamath Falls, Chemult, La Pine, Bend and Riley. Additional nearby locations include Sisters and Prineville.
The new stations are planned along Interstate 84 and U.S. Highways 20, 26, 97 and 101, helping expand charging access on some of Oregon’s busiest long-distance travel corridors.
Each site will feature at least four charging ports, while some locations are expected to include as many as eight. In total, the project would add 126 new fast charging ports across Oregon.
DC fast chargers are capable of charging many electric vehicles from 10 percent to 80 percent battery capacity in about 30 minutes, depending on the vehicle.
ODOT said it intends to award $16.7 million in grants to seven private charging companies through a competitive process. Final agreements are expected in the coming months.
While a construction timeline has not been finalized, the agency said several stations are expected to open within the next 12 to 18 months.
The NEVI program was created through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is designed to build a nationwide network of EV fast chargers along major highways. Oregon is scheduled to receive $52 million over five years through the program.
ODOT also announced a third round of grant funding is expected this summer, with a focus on filling remaining rural charging gaps in the state.
Cover image: Rick Obst, Flickr
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