The global electric vehicle market grew a whopping 91.7% year-on-year in February 2022.

Several benefits are pushing consumers toward electrical vehicles (EVs), like low running costs, minimal maintenance costs, eco-friendly approaches, and an easy and noise-free driving experience. 

With the industry valued at 370.8 billion in 2021,  the electric vehicle market is forecasted to be valued at over $1,298 billion in 2027. This indicates the sector’s production capacity and growing demands. 

In the USA, of the 250 million cars, SUVs, and light-duty trucks, only 1% rely on electricity. This is a far cry from the ideal number of EVs that should be on the road if America wants to become carbon-neutral by 2050.

Federal and state agencies are thus taking steps to accelerate the adoption of EVs. To support the ongoing global mission to save fossil fuel and the environment from the impact of pollution, the Oregon Department of Transport (ODOT) has recently made headlines for a commitment of $100-million-dollars to aid electric vehicle owners. 

ODOT is responsible for managing Oregon state’s transport system, and it provides multimodal and reliable services to the community. 

ODOT has proposed to build a state public electric vehicle charging network. Soon charging stations will be built every 50 miles on seven major highways. These are Interstate 5, 84 and 82, and US Highway 26, 101, 20, and 97.

Each charging station will provide ports for 4 types of vehicles (cars, trucks, SUVs, and medium-duty vehicles). The EVs made before 2016, could run up to 100 miles on a single charge but with technological advancements, the new generation of electric vehicles can now run for 250 miles per charge. People can now seamlessly drive with their EVs with the additional charging stations.

The next five years will be integral in growing the network of charging stations. ODOT’s Policy, Data & Analysis Division administrator, Amanda Pietz, remarked, “This investment will build Oregonians’ confidence that an EV can fit into their lives and get them where they need to go.” 

A majority of the funding for the program will come from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

ODOT has come up with immediate and long-term plans for the investment of 100 million dollars and will consult with stakeholders over the next 2 years to determine the plan’s implementation. The ODOT is now vying for billions of dollars in federal grants to provide similar charging support for heavy-duty electric vehicles.