PGE, Pacific Power join west coast utilities in planning for an electric I-5
June 17, 2020
Portland, Ore. – Portland General Electric and Pacific Power joined other electric utilities in Washington and California today in announcing the results of a study of how to support electric trucks on I-5. The West Coast Clean Transit Corridor Initiative 
, a study commissioned by an unprecedented collaboration among the utilities, recommends adding electric vehicle charging for freight haulers and delivery trucks at 50-mile intervals along Interstate 5 and adjoining highways.
“The future of Oregon’s transportation is electric, and utilities have an essential role to play in building the infrastructure needed to support a cleaner energy future,” said Aaron Milano, Product Portfolio Manager for Transportation Electrification at Portland General Electric. “Laying the groundwork for an electric I-5 will help the West Coast meet its climate goals, provide cleaner air for our communities and provide new economic opportunities as we make the transition to electric vehicles and trucks.”
The report recommends expanding state, federal or private programs that provide funding for transportation electrification, which could further accelerate electric truck adoption and expand economic opportunities constructing charging sites. PGE and Pacific Power already offer grant programs and are developing infrastructure programs that support non-residential electric vehicle charging, but more support will be needed to reach transportation electrification levels identified in the study and to meet state climate goals.
“We’re fortunate to have such great alignment in the West around discussing and planning for our shared energy future,” said Eva DeCesaro, Senior Product Manager for Transportation Electrification at Pacific Power. “Pacific Power and the other study sponsors are looking beyond our local service areas and working together toward regional solutions that meet the changing and diverse needs of the people we serve. The WCTC initiative roadmap will help us navigate this audacious journey toward significant changes around transportation electrification and could have lasting, positive impacts for generations to come.”
Transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, making the electrification of freight transportation a critical part of meeting the state’s climate goals. Oregon-specific highlights of the study include:
By 2030, it’s estimated that medium- (MD) and heavy-duty (HD) electric trucks could make up nearly 25% of MD trucks and 5% of HD trucks for a total of 8% of all trucks on the road in California, Oregon and Washington.
The study’s final report proposes a phased approach for electrifying the I-5 corridor. The first phase would involve installing 27 charging sites along I-5 at 50-mile intervals for medium-duty electric vehicles, such as delivery vans, by 2025.
Then, later, 14 of the 27 charging sites would be expanded to also accommodate charging for electric big rigs by 2030.
Of the 27 proposed sites, five are in Oregon.
An additional 41 sites on other highways that connect to I-5 are being proposed for electrification. Those highways include I-84 in Oregon.
Other initiative sponsors are Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Northern California Power Agency, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Puget Sound Energy, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, San Diego Gas & Electric, Seattle City Light, Southern California Edison and Southern California Public Power Authority.