Challenge
Adopted in 2019, Senate Bill 1044 set bold targets for zero emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption across the state of Oregon, including at least 50,000 registered ZEVs on Oregon roads by the end of 2020; at least 250,000 registered ZEVs on Oregon roads by 2025; and ZEVs representing 90 percent of annual new vehicle sales by 2035. Accessible charging infrastructure is necessary for meeting these targets.
Solution
Working with the ODOT Climate Office, the Rocky Mountain Institute, FORTH and HDR, Kittelson led a multidisciplinary team to assess transportation electrification charging infrastructure needs and gaps throughout Oregon. With a particular focus on rural areas and disadvantaged communities, the study emphasized the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) charging infrastructure needs and gaps for light-duty, medium duty, and heavy-duty ZEVs in addition to fleet and micro-mobility considerations. We developed a visualization of transportation electrification (TE) activities either underway or in-process in Oregon by agencies, utilities, transit operators, charging companies and other private/non-profit entities.
The Outcome
The Transportation Electrification Infrastructure Needs Analysis (TEINA) recommended policies and implementation priorities required to accelerate infrastructure deployment with special emphasis on the near-term to ensure Oregon sets an appropriate pace to achieve all its midterm and longer-term milestones. The database that resulted from our visualization of TE activities is being used in a variety of ways, including:
- identifying the key existing barriers and challenges to transportation electrification in Oregon;
- the levers and tools currently being used to address these challenges;
- the specific activities being undertaken by various entities and how they communicate/connect with one another; and
- the current gaps and “electrification deserts” that will benefit from additional focus and activity.
