Go Electric Oregon: State Launches New Website to Support Electric Vehicle Revolution

Contact:
Rachel Wray, 503-689-0294
Jennifer Kalez, 503-480-9239

SALEM — A coalition of Oregon state agencies today launched a new website designed to help Oregonians access information about all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. GoElectric.Oregon.gov offers an overview of the benefits of electric cars and fleets along with an introduction to state and local programs and initiatives that support plug-in automotive technology.

“More Oregonians are choosing electric vehicles, and even more are curious about EVs and how they can help families save money and reduce emissions,” said Janine Benner, director of the Oregon Department of Energy, which spearheaded the new website. “We want to increase our momentum to get the state to 50,000 registered electric vehicles by 2020.”

The 50K by 2020 goal was identified by Governor Kate Brown in Executive Order 17-21, signed last November. The Oregon Department of Transportation reports that Oregon had more than 16,000 registered electric vehicles as of December 2017.

The executive order detailed a series of responsibilities for state agencies to encourage and support the move to greater electrification of Oregon’s transportation system. “Transportation is the largest source of growth in greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, and EVs are a critical piece of the long term solution to meeting our reduction goals,” said Richard Whitman, director of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

Strategies include more and improved EV charging infrastructure, recognition for entities that champion and support EV use, and technical resources for fleet managers, utilities, businesses, and more. The Governor also called on all state agencies to lead by example by adding EVs to the state fleet and researching more charging options on public property.

Current state programs supporting electric vehicle adoption include the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program offered through the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, ongoing work with utilities undertaken by the Oregon Public Utility Commission, and efforts to electrify fleet vehicles organized by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services.

Additionally, DEQ, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Oregon Department of Energy, and the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division, is requesting public comments on a proposal to use a portion of Oregon’s share of the Volkswagen diesel settlement to support state efforts to have more Oregon cars fueled by electricity. Information about the draft proposal and the opportunity to comment can be found on the new GoElectric.Oregon.gov site.

The new website was specifically called out in the Executive Order as a way to connect Oregonians to electric vehicle information and programs, and demonstrate the progress the state is making on meeting Oregon’s EV goals. The site will be frequently updated as more electric vehicles come to market and more Oregonians choose plug-in technology.

“ODOT has long supported electric vehicles as a way to improve sustainability and see it as our responsibility to serve as a model for the rest of the country in promoting innovative approaches to electrifying transportation,” said Matt Garrett, director of the Oregon Department of Transportation. “We are proud to help support this new website, which provides great information and tools to Oregonians."