Washington's Electric Highways

Washington is installing electric-vehicle charging stations along Interstate 5 from British Columbia to the Oregon state line, outside The EV Project area. Ultimately, these stations will enable electric vehicle drivers to travel the length of the state along the 276 miles of I-5 between Washington’s borders with Oregon and Canada. These fast-charge stations, strategically placed every 40 to 60 miles, provide a seamless charging backbone for EV drivers driving long distances or taking road trips.

Why is WSDOT teaming up with private partners to install electric vehicle infrastructure?

The next generation of zero-emission, plug-in electric vehicles are coming to Washington with the unveiling of the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV.  Nearly two dozen other major auto manufacturers are poised to release new, zero-emission plug-ins to major markets over the next few years. Experts predict up to 300,000 electric vehicles may be driving on Washington roads during the next decade. To prepare for this next generation in personal transportation, Washington State is building the alternative-fuel infrastructure and partnering with other states, agencies, utilities and private companies to make it easy for people to drive low- or no-emission vehicles along the West Coast Green Highway and beyond.

Partnership with AeroVironment

Through a competitive contract award process, AeroVironment was selected to manufacture, supply, install, operate and maintain a network DC fast-charging stations (pdf 130kb) which will power an electric vehicle from zero to fully charged in less than 30 minutes. Each station also will include a Level 2 "medium-speed" charger (pdf 137kb), which all plug-in electric vehicles can use to top off or get a slower charge. Electric vehicle drivers will be able to activate access to the charging stations by signing up for the AV Charging Network at evsolutions.com/avnetwork or by calling toll-free at 888-833-2148.  Once enrolled, EV drivers will receive an AV Network key fob that will allow access to all AeroVironment chargers along the West Coast Electric Highway.  AeroVironment is also providing free charging for a limited time, giving EV drivers freedom and convenience on the open road.

Federally funded through State Energy Program.

Seed funding of $1.5 million is provided by the U. S. Department of Energy with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars administered by the Department of Commerce through the State Energy Program. This project meets State Energy Program and Recovery Act funding goals to save energy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, invest in transportation and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits.

How can I get more information?

Read Electric Highways Project Frequently Asked Questions
Send an email to: info@westcoastgreenhighway.com