NEVI Year 1 Corridors
Electric vehicles are here!
There are already 57,000 registered EVs in Oregon. EVs are becoming more affordable, they’re easy to maintain, and they are a critical tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.
Oregon will distribute funding from the federal NEVI program over the next five years to build out a network of public fast charging electric vehicle stations along several of the state’s major highways and interstates.
Highways and interstates selected for new EV fast charging stations in the first year:
• Interstate 5 south of Eugene.
• Interstate 205.
• U.S. Highway 97.
Explore each station to learn more about our NEVI plan and funding requirements. Each station (I-5, I-205 and U.S. 97) has a survey for you to provide feedback on how EV charging can be made easier and more convenient for you.
About the federal funding
- The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed by Congress in 2021.
- Oregon and the 49 other states will each receive millions in federal funding to build EV charging stations over the next five years.
- The funding is distributed under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Each state’s department of transportation will oversee their portion of the funding.
- Forty percent of NEVI program benefits must go to disadvantaged communities. In transportation terms, “disadvantaged communities” are communities that spend more and take longer to get where they need to go. Learn more about the NEVI program’s equity requirements on this Justice40 factsheet.
Stations
What is ODOT’s Role?
We will manage the federal NEVI funding and ensure it funds stations that meet federal standards and Oregon’s EV charging goals. We will contract with private companies to complete the work. Selected contractors will:
- Determine final locations for the EV fast charging stations along I-5, I-205 and U.S. 97.
- Install, operate, and maintain the EV fast charging stations.
The Oregon Department of Transportation will not own, install, operate or maintain any of the EV charging stations funded by federal dollars.
Fast charging to get you on your way.
Each EV charging station will have at least four fast-charging ports (150kW minimum) that can charge some EVs to 80% in less than an hour.
Locations that close charging gaps.
These EV charging stations are required to be no farther than 50 miles apart from each other and within one mile of an interstate/highway exit, if possible. This means that you'll be able to drive with confidence in Oregon and connect to other states.
Selected contractors will consider several other factors when choosing charging station locations. For example:
- Is sufficient power available to the site?
- Are there other amenities nearby (restrooms, lighting, stores, etc.)?
- Are there already EV fast-charging stations in the area?
- Will the location help connect a rural or small community to the broader EV charging station network?
- Is there an existing business there that wants to host an EV fast charging station?
Federal requirements for station locations
- EV fast charging stations that use federal NEVI funds must be built on certain federally-approved roads called EV Alternative Fuel Corridors.
- Oregon has 11 EV Alternative Fuel Corridors: Interstates 5, 82, 84, 405, and 205; and Highways 20, 26, 42, 95, 97 and 101.
- Visit each road station to learn why we selected I-5, I-205 and U.S. 97 for year one investments.
More public charging means more EVs.
Convenient, reliable, and affordable charging access makes it easier for more people to rely on EVs to meet their driving needs.
Reduce the impact of climate change.
Transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon. EVs do not emit greenhouse gases when they drive. EVs play an important role in helping the state achieve its emission reduction goals.
Improved health.
Research indicates that low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by air pollution. Living near sources of air pollution, including major roadways, can lead to adverse health effects like asthma and reduced lung function. Fewer gasoline-powered cars and more EVs on the road will lead to cleaner air, especially in disadvantaged communities. Learn more about air pollution in disadvantaged communities on this Environmental Protection Agency webpage.
Job opportunities.
New jobs to plan, install, operate and maintain EV charging stations.
Boosts to local communities.
EV drivers can browse local businesses and explore local amenities while their vehicle charges. Businesses can host chargers on their property and earn revenue.
Why we chose Interstate 5 for year one work
- I-5 is a high-traffic route and an important link through Oregon between Washington and California.
- It will help complete a backbone of EV fast chargers on I-5. North of Eugene, there are already enough existing EV fast chargers to comply with NEVI standards.
- It will connect several rural and smaller communities to the EV fast charging network.
- I-5 is a federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridor.
I-5 EV fast charging stations: by the numbers
- Existing stations that meet federal funding requirements: Two
- Estimated number of new stations to be built along this road: Three (four charging ports per station)
Note: ODOT has limited funding and must comply with the Federal Highway Administration’s minimum standards for NEVI-funded charging stations.
Survey: Tell us what you think
Please take a few minutes to tell us what is important to you when thinking about an EV fast charging locations along I-5. Click here to take the survey.
How we’ll use your feedback: Your feedback will help inform station location guidelines given to contracted companies. Our goal is to provide all people in Oregon with access to safe, fast, and reliable EV charging.
Station Location Reminder
- 50 miles apart from each other, and within one mile of an exit.
- We will not choose final station locations; selected contractors will determine the final locations.
Why we chose Interstate 205 for year one work
- I-205 serves high-traffic volumes in the Portland metro area.
- It will connect disadvantaged communities to the EV fast charging network.
- It connects to Washington State.
- I-205 is a federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridor.
I-205 EV fast charging stations: by the numbers
- Existing stations that meet federal funding requirements: One
- Estimated number new stations to be built along this road: Two (four charging ports per station)
Note: ODOT has limited funding and must comply with the Federal Highway Administration’s minimum standards for NEVI-funded charging stations.
Survey: Tell us what you think
Please take a few minutes to tell us what is important to you when thinking about an EV fast charging locations along I-205. Click here to take the survey.
How we’ll use your feedback: Your feedback will help inform station location guidelines given to contracted companies. Our goal is to provide all people in Oregon with access to safe, fast, and reliable EV charging.
Location Reminder
- 50 miles apart from each other, and within one mile of an exit.
- We will not choose final station locations; selected contractors will determine the final locations.
Why we chose U.S. Highway 97 for year one work
- U.S. 97 is a high-traffic route that serves central Oregon.
- It links Oregon to Washington and California.
- It will connect rural and smaller communities to the EV fast charging network.
- U.S. 97 is a federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridor
U.S. 97 EV fast charging stations: by the numbers
- Existing stations that meet federal funding requirements: Two
- Estimated number of new stations to be built along this road: Six (four charging ports per station)
Note: ODOT has limited funding and must comply with the Federal Highway Administration’s minimum standards for NEVI-funded charging stations.
Survey: Tell us what you think
Please take a few minutes to tell us what is important to you when thinking about an EV fast charging locations along Hwy 97. Click here to take the survey.
How we’ll use your feedback: Your feedback will help inform station location guidelines given to contracted companies. Our goal is to provide all people in Oregon with access to safe, fast, and reliable EV Charging.
Location Reminder
- 50 miles apart from each other, and within one mile of an exit.
- We will not choose final station locations; selected contractors will determine the final locations.
- In February, we will host a series of regional workshops with community representatives and local subject matter experts along I-5, I-205, and U.S. 97.
- Along with the feedback you have provided, we will use feedback from these regional workshops to help guide request for proposals (RFP's). RFP's determine which companies we contract with to develop the EV fast charging stations.
- We'll award contracts before the end of the year and development of the charging stations will occur soon thereafter.
- Oregon’s NEVI plan will be developed in phases (map below), with public engagement happening before each round to help inform decisions.
Stay Informed
Subscribe to Climate Office updates.
Questions can be directed to Brett Howell, Transportation Electrification Coordinator.
Learn more by clicking on the links below.
- Where would you like future EV charging stations in your community? Place a pin on the map! Keep in mind this is one of many considerations when determining placement of EV fast charging station locations by private companies
- Visit Oregon’s Five-year EV Charging Infrastructure Roadmap website.
- Visit Oregon’s Transportation Electrification Infrastructure Needs Analysis web page.
- Visit the Federal Government’s NEVI FAQ’s page.
- Learn about rebates and other incentives to help you purchase an EV on the Go Electric Oregon website.
- Want to know more about EVs in general?