West Coast
Electric Highway

West Coast
Electric Highway

A Freeway to the Future

The West Coast Electric Highway (WCEH) is an extensive network of 56 EVCS-owned DCFC and Level 2 chargers located along major West Coast corridors like the I-5 and US-101.

It is the result of a public/private program partly funded by the US Departments of Energy and Transportation (DOE and DOT) through the Oregon and Washington State Departments of Transportation (ODOT and WSDOT). WCEH installations were designed by the previous owner as a combination of 50kW DC fast chargers with CHAdeMO ports and 7.2kW Level 2 chargers. In the summer of 2020, EVCS acquired the WCEH and began working with state DOTs to upgrade all chargers with both CHAdeMO and CCS (Combined Charging System) connectors later in the year. In addition, certain locations with high utilization rates will merit additional chargers and higher, 175 kW outputs.

Key benefits:

  • Located every 25 to 50 miles along select routes
  • Close proximity to freeway ramps
  • Convenient parking
  • Frequently located in areas with secondary activities like restaurants and grocery stores
  • Easy access to picturesque locations like Oregon’s Crater Lake, Multnomah Falls and Painted Hills as well as Washington’s Snoqualmie Falls and Skagit Valley

The WCEH, which consists of 44 stations in Oregon and 12 in Washington, are located at the following types of venues:

  • Ten (10) city properties (convention centers, visitor centers, parks, lots, etc.)
  • Nine (9) grocery stores
  • Eight (8) restaurants
  • Eight (8) miscellaneous properties (country stores, transit centers, office buildings, etc.)
  • Seven (7) hotels and motels
  • Six (6) gas stations
  • Five (5) casinos
  • Three (3) shopping malls

One of the largest contiguous networks of DC fast chargers in the United States, the WCEH untethers EV drivers from their residential and workplace chargers, giving them the confidence to travel up and down the West Coast with greater freedom of range.

For more information, visit WCEH's Website

When will the upgrades be completed?

The extensive, two year project upgrade to the Oregon portion of the West Coast Electric Highway (WCEH) started in October 2021. The Washington upgrade of the WCEH started in December of 2022.

Who owns the WCEH now?

EVCS owns the original WCEH network of 56 charging stations in Oregon and Washington. In Oregon, the WCEH stations are facilitated by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

What about the WCEH is being upgraded?

Currently, 56 WCEH locations are being upgraded in Oregon and Washington. These locations will be upgraded along with the addition of 3 new charging stations. 11 of the 47 charging stations will be turned into superstations.  

  • At each of the current 44 stations, EVCS will replace the existing Level 2 AC charger and the DC fast charger with new chargers. The 11 upgraded superstations will feature 3 DC Fast Chargers and 1 Level 2 AC charger.
  • For Tesla drivers, the CHAdeMO connector, with Tesla adapter, will be available for use at all EVCS stations. A 120v outlet will also be available at every WCEH station for e-bikes and scooters .
  • Multiple payment mechanism opportunities (EVCS app, PlugShare app, Credit Card, Google and Apple Pay)
  • Once the upgrade is complete, a new monthly unlimited EV charging subscription plan will be available.

How is the WCEH Upgrade Project Funded?

The West Coast Electric Highway project in Oregon is a public-private partnership under the Oregon Innovative Partnership Program. The WCEH project in Washington is funded by the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). The station upgrades are supported by a combination of federal and state funds. As part of the State public-private partnerships, EVCS is contributing a greater than 20% match share of the funding required for the station upgrades.

Who do I contact regarding WCEH?

Please reach out to EVCS with any questions or issues.

866-300-EVCS

Director of Communications: Charlie Botsford charlieb@evcs.com