Monday, March 19, 2012

I-5 Gets Electric Vehicle Fast-Charging Stations

A stretch of the I-5 in Southern Oregon is among the first part of the highway to get a series of electric vehicle, fast charging stations, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. According to the department, it has just installed fast charge stations targeted at electric vehicle (EV) drivers, as part of the first phase of the "West Coast Electric Highway" effort. That effort looks to make it possible for EV drivers to drive from Canada to Mexico along the I-5, something which is currently not possible due to the range limitations of the cars. The stations were installed in Cottage Grove, Rice Hill, Roseburg, Canyonville, Wolf Creek, Grants Pass, Central Point, and Ashland, which are roughly 25 miles apart. According to EV charging station developer AeroVironment, which installed the stations, there is a plan to install 40 additional charging stations in Oregon and Washington by the end of the year. The effort is also being supported by the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE).