Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure are coming to Redmond so that everyone can enjoy lower fuel costs and environmental benefits. The COCC Sustainability Committee, 350Deschutes, and Central Oregon Community College are working together with installer Sunlight Solar to expand options for electric vehicles in rural parts of Central Oregon. The new charging stations are made possible thanks to a generous grant from Pacific Power, with additional funding provided by the COCC Sustainability Committee.

On October 9th at 4:30 this work will be showcased with a ribbon cutting at the Redmond Campus where new charging infrastructure has been installed. There will be 2 new Level 2 ChargePoint charging ports located in the campus parking lot (with two additional charging stations at the Madras campus) allowing anyone with an electric vehicle (EV) to plug in for free. The general public is invited to attend the event to enjoy appetizers and beverages, view an electric car or two, and learn about rebates, credits and incentives which can be applied to the purchase or lease of a plug-in electric vehicle. These innovative vehicles enjoy low cost fuel, zero emissions, and a quiet and surprisingly fast ride.

Incentives toward the purchase or lease of electric vehicles are available at a Federal and State level. Oregon DEQ offers a Standard Rebate of either $1500 or $2500 toward the purchase or lease of a new plug-in EV or plug-in hybrid vehicle. A Charge Ahead Rebate of $2500 is available to qualifying low to moderate income households purchasing or leasing a new or used plug-in EV. Some drivers may qualify to combine both rebates. A Federal tax credit of up to $7500 toward the purchase of a new vehicle is also available for those who qualify.

Drivers of electric vehicles often charge at home using an ordinary 120v outlet (Level 1), or a 240v outlet (Level 2) like those installed for electric dryers and ranges. When traveling, commercial charging is available. Pacific Power has made a commitment to increase this infrastructure and has funded this and several projects in Central Oregon, including at the High Desert Museum, as well as Level 3 fast charger units proposed at their own location in Bend. The chargers being installed at COCC campuses in Madras and Redmond are Level 2, capable of generating 25 to 40 miles of range per hour of charging, ideal for students and employees to top off their cars for the return commute, as well as providing a convenient charging option for those living in or traveling through Central Oregon.

This project was made possible with support from Pacific Power

For more information contact Anastacia at 541-327-4358 or acompton@350Deschutes.org