To Fight ‘Range Anxiety,’ Oregon To Invest $100 Million in Electric Vehicle Charging

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) wants to support the electrification of the transportation sector by pledging $100 million to electric vehicle charging infrastructure. An article from KTVS outlines the agency’s plan, which will use federal and state funds to increase access to EV chargers and build charging stations along key transportation corridors in the state.

“Amanda Pietz, administrator for ODOT’s Policy, Data & Analysis Division, said more EV charging infrastructure will help motivate Oregonians to choose an EV for their next car, SUV or bicycle,” citing “range anxiety” as a common deterrent for potential EV buyers. According to Pietz, “This investment will build Oregonians’ confidence that an EV can fit into their life and get them where they need to go.”

“About two-thirds of the funding — $52 million from the 2021 federal infrastructure bill plus a required 20% match — must be spent on EV charging infrastructure along “Alternative Fuel Corridors,” as per guidance from the Federal Highway Administration.” Oregon has seven such corridors that would qualify for federal funds. One-third of the promised funds will go toward projects in other parts of the state.

In addition to charging stations for light-duty vehicles, “The new charging sites will be able to serve some medium-duty vehicles, and ODOT will explore opportunities to add micromobility charging.”