Oregon Department of Transportation funds 126 new EV charging ports through federal grant
Kelsey Merison
OREGON (KTVZ) — Electric vehicle drivers can expect 24 new public DC fast charging station options over the next few years across the state, including here in Central Oregon. The Oregon Department of Transportation Climate Office recently selected seven private electric vehicle charging companies for $16.7 million in federal grants.
These grants will fund the 24 new stations, providing 126 new DC fast charging ports across major state roads, making long-distance travel by electric vehicle more convenient.
The funding for these stations originates from the 2021 federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Through this program, Oregon is allocated $52 million over five years to establish a comprehensive charging network.
This second round of grants, totaling $16.7 million, is a significant part of the statewide initiative to build out public charging infrastructure.
The 24 new DC fast charging stations will be strategically located along Interstate 84 and U.S. Highways 20, 26, 97, and 101. Each station will feature at least four charging ports, with some having as many as eight, contributing to a total of 126 new DC fast charging ports. Click here to view an interactive map of where the new charging stations will be located.
Bend, Sisters, Prineville, and Madras were selected:
-BEND: 70 NW Newport Avenue
-SISTERS: 625 N Arrowleaf Trail
-PRINEVILLE: 1595 NE 3rd Street
-MADRAS: 1678 SE Highway 97
DC fast charging stations are designed with high-powered ports capable of recharging some electric vehicles from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes. The private companies awarded the grants chose the station locations, ensuring each site is near amenities such as food, shopping, and supermarkets.
The seven private electric vehicle charging companies were selected through a competitive process. These companies are responsible for installing, owning, and maintaining the NEVI charging stations. Grantees are required to provide a minimum of 20% in matching funds and submit a five-year maintenance plan for each station.
NEVI is a federal initiative with the goal of establishing a nationwide network of public DC fast charging stations in all 50 states over five years along major highways and interstates. By law, the federal funds from the NEVI program are restricted and cannot be used for other purposes, such as state road or bridge maintenance.
A third NEVI grant opportunity is planned for this summer. This upcoming round will focus on filling rural gaps in Oregon’s public DC fast charging network. Specific areas targeted include Interstate 82, Oregon Highway 42, U.S. Highway 95, U.S. Highway 101 south of Reedsport, and U.S. Highways 20 and 26 east of Bend and Prineville, respectively.
The Oregon Department of Transportation Climate Office expects to finalize grant contracts with the selected companies over the next few months. Several stations are anticipated to become operational over the next 12 to 18 months.