Electric vehicle charging stations are simple to use. The network of charging stations is growing fast. PGE installed its first newly redesigned electric-vehicle charging station in July 2008 at its headquarters at the World Trade Center in Portland. Working with local businesses and governments, PGE has already installed dozens of plug-in charging stations in the Portland-metro area and Salem in the past year — with more on the way.
As part of The EV Project, thousands will be installed in homes, businesses and public spaces between fall 2010 and 2013 in Portland, Salem and Eugene. The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOT) will install Level 2 and DC Quick Charge stations throughout northern and southern Oregon, including I-5 corridor installations as part of the West Coast Highway project a charging station network from British Columbia through California.
Individuals, businesses (including PGE) and governments will continue to install private and public stations on an ongoing basis. Businesses can also work directly with electricians to install charging stations for public or private use. Contact us for information on power requirements and recommendations for having a charging station installed at your business.
Find existing charging stations
Some battery-electric vehicles may include navigation systems programmed with charging station locaters. If yours does not, be sure to bookmark our maps, which will be updated frequently. Or find out about a charging station app for your iPhone.
The right kind of power
Getting the right kind of power on the road will keep you cruising along. Contact us for information on power requirements and recommendations for having a charging station installed.
Level 1: 8 to 12 hours
You can plug in your electric vehicle to any standard, three-prong 110-volt outlet. But this kind of plug takes several hours longer to charge your vehicle, so it is best as an emergency source.
Level 2: 4 to 8 hours
For faster charging, use a standard 220-volt charger — similar to what’s used for a clothes dryer. Level 2 charging systems will be installed in residential, public and commercial locations throughout 2010 and 2011 and beyond.
DC Quick Charge: 30 minutes (to 80 percent)
A quick charger will charge your electric vehicle to 80 percent capacity in less than 30 minutes. DC Quick Charge systems will be installed in high-traffic areas and strategic locations to allow consumers to charge on the go and extend daily driving ranges.