EVCS, ODOT and Gov. Kate Brown Celebrate The Completion of First Phase Upgrades to West Coast Electric Highway

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May 24, 2022
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EVCS, ODOT and Gov. Kate Brown Celebrate The Completion of First Phase Upgrades to West Coast Electric Highway

Boosting Range Confidence For EV Drivers In Oregon And Beyond, EVCS Is Expanding Its Convenient, Fast And Cost-Effective Public Charging Across The Largest Electric Highway In The U.S. Spanning 1,350 Miles

LOS ANGELES – May 24, 2022

EV Charging Solutions (EVCS), one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging network operators on the West Coast, today celebrated the highly anticipated completion of first phase upgrades to Oregon’s portion of the West Coast Electric Highway (WCEH). In partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the upgrades highlight the first of many upcoming milestones for EVCS as they invest in rapid expansion of their West Coast DC fast charging network. Spanning from the Canadian border to Southern California, the WCEH segment in Oregon will reach 69 chargers upon its targeted completion in early 2023, providing charging capability for all compatible EVs on the road.

The unveiling event held on Tuesday, May 24, at the Woodburn Memorial Transit Facility recognized the successful upgrade of 44 stations, including chargers and connectors, across Oregon’s Interstates 5 and 84 and U.S. 101.  This upgrade replaces existing CHAdeMO-only DC fast chargers with new DC fast chargers with CCS1-combo and CHAdeMO DCFC charging capability. The stations will also provide a 110V outlet for e-bikes and e-scooters. With the added ability to serve a wide range of electric vehicles, including cars and e-bikes, EVCS is democratizing EV infrastructure by providing ease of access for all EV applications.

“Our goal is to create the most reliable and accessible EV charging infrastructure in the nation,” said Ian Vishnevsky, COO/CFO and Co-Founder of EVCS. “EVCS’s collaboration with ODOT to upgrade the West Coast Electric Highway will improve driver confidence in going electric as we seek to combat climate change through our sustainable and accessible charging stations.”

With notable appearances from Kris Strickler, Director of ODOT, Ian Vishnevsky, Co-Founder and COO of EVCS, and an honorary address from Oregon Governor Kate Brown, the project was dubbed an extraordinary success and an important step for an all-electric future.  

Commenting on the unveiling, Oregon Governor Kate Brown said, “This will take all of us working together to create a seamless national network of charging stations that is reliable, affordable, convenient and, of course, equitable.”

Set to begin this summer, EVCS will embark on Phase 2 upgrades of the Oregon portion for WCEH, including converting 11 of the 44 Oregon-based stations to superstations, which will host 3 DC fast chargers and 1 Level 2 AC charger.

Across the U.S, there has been a mass uptick in the purchasing of EVs. According to DMV reports, in Oregon alone, nearly 50,000 registered cars, trucks and SUVs are zero-emission vehicles (ZEV). By 2030, the state’s goal is for 50% of new cars, trucks and SUVs sold annually to be ZEVs. To keep up with the increasing infrastructure demand, EVCS, with the support of ODOT, will further expand opportunities for Oregonian drivers by adding 3 new superstations (2 x 50 kW, 1 x 150 kW, and Level 2) during the summer months as part of the 3rd Phase of this project. Tentative locations include Boardman, Gold Beach, and Bend.

In addition to its work with the WCEH, EVCS continues to expand its 100% net-zero carbon charger pipeline to support consumer EV adoption in underserved communities which will play a critical role in helping states reach their transportation decarbonization goals.

For more information about EVCS, please visit https://evcs.com/.

To download high-resolution images and b-roll from the event, please visit here

About EVCS:

EVCS was founded in 2018 and has quickly become one of the largest and fastest-growing electric vehicle charging networks on the West Coast. Powered by 100% renewable energy, EVCS is disrupting the mobility power industry through a turn-key approach that utilizes public and private funding sources to encourage the installation of fast-charging locations. EVCS has secured over $50M in government funding and engaged over 500 partner sites to build and grow its net zero carbon network. EVCS’ mission is to cut emissions while simultaneously improving air quality by enabling the rapid adoption of zero-emission electric vehicles. For more information, visit www.evcs.com.

About ODOT:

The Oregon Department of Transportation provides a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon’s communities and economy thrive. Electrifying the state’s transportation system is one of several strategies in the agency’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Sanaz Marbley/ Kelli Dobbins
Sling & Stone
evcs@slingstone.com

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