OREGON READIES FOR THE EV

PGE, Ford hope to drive past electric car challenges; New state charging station plan in the works with PSU and Microsoft
Jim Redden, August 24, 2010 (Portland Tribune)

"Electric cars are a hot topic these days, but many challenges must be overcome before large numbers of people will buy them, according to a panel of experts working on the issue…

"…[L]ocations must be found for home charging stations for potential buyers who do not have garages or live in older home with outdated wiring, said…representatives of Ford Motor Co., Microsoft, [utility Portland General Electric (PGE)] and [host Portland State University (PSU]…"

A fast-charging station for the all-electric Nissan Leaf, due in showrooms in November (click to enlarge)

"Charlie Allcock, PGE’s director of economic development, noted that his company is working with the federal and state governments to install 1,000 charging stations between Portland and Eugene by July 2011...[The] stations [should] ease the anxieties of drivers whose can only go between 40 and 100 miles on a battery charge…"

The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) resolves anxiety about battery power by switching to a gas engine after 40 miles. (click to enlarge)

"The stations are being installed as part of seven-state test program funded in part with federal stimulus dollars. In Oregon, other funds are coming from state government and a number of private partners. It is intended in part to support the sales of Nissan Leaf electric cars later this year.

"Ford brought along an electric version of its Focus compact car that goes on sale next year…PSU President Wim Wiewel said the university would work with Ford and PGE in the future to better understand how people use electric cars, including when and how they are charged."