EVCS and Energy Northwest have received $14.6 million from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program by the US Department of Transportation. The recently announced award will fund the development of more than 50 chargers across 12 charging locations, covering over 500 miles along Highway 101 in western Washington and coastal Oregon.
This major initiative will enhance EV charging infrastructure in rural and disadvantaged communities on the US West Coast, including on Indigenous Tribal lands. Highway 101 is known for its rural and heavily travelled tourist area. The new charging sites on Highway 101 will help accelerate EV adoption among residents and support EV drivers heading to tourist destinations like the Olympic National Park or the coastal region of Washington and Oregon.
A combination of DC Fast and Level 2 chargers will be installed at 10 sites in western Washington and two in northern Oregon.
“The Federal Highway Administration is pleased to announce this $14.6 million grant to Washington and Oregon that will bring over 50 electric vehicle chargers to rural and disadvantaged communities along the Pacific Northwest,” said Shailen Bhatt, federal highway administrator. “With over 70% of CFI funding awarded to projects in disadvantaged communities, the Biden-Harris Administration is ensuring America’s transition to a clean energy future is an equitable one.”
EVCS, under contract to Energy Northwest, will plan, design, construct, own, and operate the new charging stations across all locations. Consistent with EVCS’s leading role as one of the largest public EV fast-charging networks on the West Coast, all new chargers will be accessible to the public with the ability to benefit from EVCS’ wide range of customer offerings such as monthly subscription plans.
“This initiative reinforces our strong commitment to accelerate and expand access to affordable, reliable, and carbon-free EV charging in the Pacific Northwest,” said EVCS CEO Gustavo Occhiuzzo. “EVCS is excited to help Washington and Oregon advance transportation electrification and climate leadership, making e-mobility a reality for more drivers. We thank the US Department of Transportation for the CFI grant and we are excited to work with Energy Northwest on this major initiative.”
With the program, Energy Northwest continues its strong partnerships with a wide range of partnering with stakeholders, including businesses and community leaders, to bring EV chargers to their stores or public areas. Energy Northwest will manage the grant funding, leveraging its successful history of collaboration with EVCS on various infrastructure projects.
“We are grateful to the Department of Transportation for awarding Energy Northwest $14.6 million in grant funding, which will allow us to make forward, tangible progress toward a cleaner future that relies less on fossil fuels,” said Greg Cullen, VP for energy services & development at Energy Northwest. “Much like our efforts in the energy sector, we are constantly pursuing multiple avenues to support Washington’s carbon reduction goals including transportation electrification, which ultimately benefits our members and communities.”
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News