01/24/2013 | Press release

First PGE-hosted electric vehicle quick-charge stations connect West Coast Electric Highway in Oregon

distributed by noodls on 01/24/2013 13:59

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Jan. 24, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Auto Show visitors who want to purchase an electric vehicle now have access to one of the most expansive networks of public quick-charging stations in the country - from the Washington border to the California border - thanks to the addition of five new quick-charge stations along the interstate system where EVs can charge up in 30 minutes or less.

The newest quick-charge stations complete the Oregon portion of the West Coast Electric Highway with new locations at a Southeast Portland Burgerville, Woodburn Elmer's restaurant, Clackamas Town Center, Wilsonville Town Center, and Shari's Restaurant in Keizer.  

The West Coast Electric Highwayis a tri-state initiative to advance EV adoption along the I-5 corridor from British Columbia to Baja, Calif., through an extensive network of quick-charge stations. When complete, it will span 1,300 miles with public quick-charge stations every 25-60 miles. 

The newest quick-charge stations were installed as part of a pilot led by Portland General Electric(NYSE: POR) to facilitate completing the West Coast Electric Highway in Oregon.

"Through the EV Highway pilot, PGE is working with our customers along the interstates who want to host charging stations and charging station manufacturers that want to install them," said Kurt Miller, PGE's director of business model and program development. "These two new stations close the gap between quick-charge stations along the interstate system making the West Coast Green Highway a reality in Oregon."

            The PGE-hosted charging stations are Blink® DC Fast Chargers manufactured by ECOtality(NASDAQ: ECTY) and the first for the PGE pilot which runs through December 2013.

"We are very excited to be partnering with PGE in completing this stretch of the I-5 corridor," said Amy Hillman, ECOtality area manager. "Completing this project is yet another step forward boosting drivers' range confidence and enabling them to use their EV as their primary vehicle, while providing them with the benefits of fast charging that more closely reflects their lifestyle."

Oregon now boasts more than 40 public quick-charge stations and more than 600 level 1 (8-12 hour charge) and level 2 (4-8 hour charge) public charging stations. The Portland metro area is ranked No. 1 in the United States in electric vehicle charging stations per capita by plugshare.com.

Portland General Electric at Portland International Auto Show:PGE is a proud sponsor of the Portland International Auto ShowECO Center, where visitors can learn more about the benefits and excitement of owning an electric vehicle.

About Portland General Electric:Portland General Electric, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 829,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon.PortlandGeneral.com.

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