About charging stations

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While it is expected that most electric vehicle (EV) charging will initially take place at people’s homes, a comprehensive network of publicly accessible charging stations is in development which will extend the reach and assure users that they will not be left stranded without the ability to charge.

Portland and Oregon are benefiting from The EV Project, a federally funded initiative that will install over 2,000 charging stations in the Willamette Valley. Of these stations, approximately 1,000 will be accessible to the public, enabling EV users to charge at destinations throughout the region. The majority of these stations will be Level 2 units; in addition, a limited number of DC quick-charging units will be available to charge a full-size automobile to 80% capacity in as quickly as 30 minutes. Other companies, utilities and municipalities are working to establish public charging stations as well throughout the state.

For more information, or to nominate a location for a charging station visit The EV Project website or contact ECOtality North America.

See the map (right) for existing charging stations around Portland and Oregon.

The State of Oregon is also working on broader initiatives for charging infrastructure, beyond the city's borders. » Read more

Understanding EV Terminology

TYPES OF ELECTRIC CARS / VEHICLES
Type		Features	Examples

Hybrid Electric Vehicles	(HEV)	Electric motor and internal combustion engine	Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid
Battery Electric Vehicles	(BEV)	All electric with no internal combustion engine; Plugged in to charge	Nissan LEAF, Think EV, Mitsubishi iMiEV, Arcimoto, Brammo Enertia, Ford Focus Electric
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles	(PHEV)	Electric motor and internal combustion engine; Plugged in to charge; Can work solely on electric power for a limited distance	Chevrolet Volt, Fisker Karma, Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles	(NEV)	Street-legal, battery-powered; Limited to roads with posted speed limits of < 35 mph; Well-suited for use in small communities, commercial complexes and campuses	GEM, Zenn, Wheego, Porteon

TYPES OF ELECTRICAL VEHICLE SERVICE EQUIPMENT (EVSE) CHARGING STATIONS
Type	Voltage	Charge time (typical sedan)	Use

Level 1	110 V	Up to 20 hours	Wide range of uses, lowest installation cost; Currently deployed in some locations in the Portland region
Level 2	220 V	6 - 8 hours	Used for overnight and opportunity charging at public locations; The majority of home and publicly accessible installations in the Portland area will consist of level 2 EVSEs
DC Quick-charge	480 V	30 minutes (0-80% battery)	Best suited for on-the-go traveling