Oregon's second round of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding will support 24 new fast-charging sites along Interstate 84 and US Highways 20, 26, 97, and 101. Each site will have at least four charging ports, with some offering up to eight, for a total of around 126 new DC fast-charging ports.
The Oregon Department of Transportation's Climate Office has chosen the winners for this funding round through a competitive process, with private companies selected to build and maintain the stations.
ODOT says each site is located near amenities such as restrooms, food, shopping, and grocery stores along major travel routes, as required by NEVI. This approach aims to make charging stops normal rest stops instead of detours.
The 24 new fast-charging sites are expected to come online within the next 12 to 18 months, with several stations already under construction.
This round is part of a larger effort to build out a reliable network of public DC fast chargers along major highways. The NEVI program aims to create a seamless charging experience for EV drivers across the country.
Oregon's third round of NEVI funding will target rural gaps and corridors, including Interstate 82, Oregon Highway 42, US Highway 95, and parts of US Highway 101 south of Reedsport.
The state is set to receive $52 million in NEVI funding over five years, with private companies required to provide at least 20% in matching funds and commit to maintaining each site for five years.
As the US shifts towards a more sustainable transportation infrastructure, initiatives like the NEVI program are crucial in addressing range anxiety and making EV road trips more accessible.
The NEVI program is a crucial step towards making EV road trips more accessible and convenient for drivers across the country.
