Together with local partner Pacificorp, ECOtality created an infrastructure map, aided by representatives from state and local government agencies and utilities. The creation of the map took into account factors like transportation routes, employment centers and zoning.
"I have long known that Oregon was the right state to launch this next generation of vehicles and show the rest of the country that we can make this transition without inconveniencing or pricing regular citizens out of this market," said Oregon Governor, Ted Kulongoski.
"With today's announcement, we are taking that next step forward toward making electric cars, and the supporting infrastructure , available, affordable and accessible to Oregonians across the state."
The plan for Oregon is part of the EV Project, an endeavor lead by ECOtality with the help of government money. Supported through a $30 million grant awarded by the US Department of Energy, to be added to the already approved $99.8 million given to ECOtality in late 2009, the EV Project is to evaluate the use of electric vehicles and charging systems in various climates and regions, with 15,000 residential and commercial chargers to be deployed in 13 cities in five states.
"Throughout the EV Project, ECOtality is developing more calculated methods to prepare cities and regional areas for an EV infrastructure foundation," stated Don Karner, President of ECOtality North America.
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