Oregon Department of Energy Announces Recipients of Governor’s 2019 Electric Vehicle Leadership Awards
Contact: Jennifer Kalez, 503-480-9239
EV Leadership Awardee: Forth
SALEM – The Oregon Department of Energy announced today that nonprofit Forth and Oregon-based business Platt Auto Group are the recipients of Governor Brown’s 2019 Electric Vehicle Leadership Awards.
The EV Leadership Awards stem from the Governor’s Executive Order 17-21, which focused on accelerating adoption of zero emission vehicles in Oregon. The awards honor businesses and organizations that support EV adoption through charging infrastructure and fleet conversion, and auto dealers that help Oregonians make the switch from internal combustion engines to electric. Forth and Platt Auto Group are the first recipients of the awards.
Forth is a non-profit organization promoting electric, smart, and shared transportation options. Forth’s work includes advocacy and engagement on clean, alternative transportation options, as well as demonstration projects like its downtown Portland Electric Showcase. The showcase offers Oregonians a brand-neutral, sales-free environment to learn more about EVs and even test drive vehicles.
Platt Auto Group has been serving Oregon’s electric vehicle community since 2013, when the auto dealer made the switch to focus exclusively on selling pre-owned EVs and educating customers about the benefits of going electric. Platt’s business model of selling pre-owned stock helps expand access to more Oregonians, including lower-income families.
EV Leadership Awardee: Platt Auto Group
“We are grateful to Forth and Platt Auto for leading the charge,” said ODOE Director Janine Benner upon announcing the awards on the Governor’s behalf. “Their good work is making it easier for more Oregonians to access low and zero-emission transportation options, which reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and promote cleaner air.” In addition to the climate change benefits, electric vehicles are fun to drive, cheaper to fuel, and have lower maintenance costs than traditional gas-powered vehicles. With stacked incentives available, including the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Vehicle and Charge Ahead rebate programs, Oregonians can save thousands on new and pre-owned EVs.
“ODOE hoped to announce these inaugural Governor’s EV Leadership Awards in a more public celebration,” added Benner. “But given the current COVID-19 pandemic, we hope Oregonians will join us in virtually celebrating and thanking Forth and Platt for their leadership.”
Learn more about electric vehicles, charging, incentives and more at https://goelectric.oregon.gov.