| ODOT requesting proposals for electric vehicle charging station equipment |
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| The RFP is the first of its kind in the United States |
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April 1, 2009
For more information, contact Art James, (503) 986-3858
The Oregon Department of Transportation today issued a first-in-the-nation solicitation for charging equipment to service electric vehicles (EVs). At the request of local entities and electric utilities throughout the state, ODOT is using its unique public/private partnership authority to establish consistent standards and uniformity in building an EV charging infrastructure for Oregon.
“Oregon is poised to lead the nation in the early adoption of plug-in electric vehicles,” said Gail Achterman, chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission. “Having one common, open system for all types of vehicles is the only way this will be successful.”
EV charging stations are locations where vehicles can be plugged into an electric source to re-charge batteries. Currently, the biggest limitation for drivers thinking about making the transition to an electric vehicle is the absence of a reliable network of charging facilities to increase range and alleviate fears of “running out of juice.” Within a decade, plug-in cars could account for as much as 20 percent of new vehicles sold in Oregon.
“This effort to promote consistency in the EV charging network is vital to gaining public recognition and acceptance of the new technologies coming on the market,” Achterman said.
ODOT is also aggressively pursuing grant opportunities to accelerate the state’s EV infrastructure initiative. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program received a $300 million boost from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is encouraging qualified entities to apply for funding for sustainable projects.
ODOT’s Office of Innovative Partnerships (OIPP) is taking a leadership role by establishing standards for the appearance, performance and safety features of EV charging stations. The objective is to have centralized purchase agreements for EV charging equipment in place by the end of 2009 that will be available for use by other agencies, local governments, utility companies and others.“While we cannot require local entities to purchase from the state contracts, we believe it will be attractive for them to do so,” said Art James, project director for the EV initiative. “These agreements will ensure that equipment installed at different locations provides a similar charging experience for all EV users. By aggregating the demand, we will command a larger presence in the market and also reduce the cost by avoiding separate procurements.”
Charging locations may include public facilities such as Park-n-Rides, motor pools, campuses, and public rights of way or private property such as retail and office complexes. Resources for the EV initiative may become available through the federal economic stimulus package, which would accelerate the deployment of EV charging infrastructure. For more information or to download the request for proposal, visit www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/OIPP/index.shtml
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