The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Climate Office recently selected seven private electric vehicle (EV) charging companies for $16.7 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program grants.
The federal NEVI program aims to establish a nationwide network of public DC fast charging stations along major highways and interstates over five years. Oregon was allocated $52 million, and this is the second round of funding.
Awardees select the location of, install, own and maintain the NEVI charging stations. They also
must provide a minimum of 20 percent in matching funds and provide a five-year maintenance plan.
The grants will fund 24 total charging stations along Interstate 84 and U.S. Highways 20, 26, 97 and 101, several of which are expected to come online over the next 12-18 months. Each station will have four to eight charging ports.
ODOT plans to open a third round of funding this summer.
“We’ll focus on filling rural gaps in Oregon’s public DC fast charging network on Interstate 82; Oregon Highway 42; U.S. Highway 95; U.S. Highway 101 south of Reedsport; U.S. Highway 20 east of Bend; and U.S. Highway 26 east of Prineville,” the agency said.
DC fast charging stations can recharge up to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.