Portland General Electric (PGE) and Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) have announced the development of “Electric Island,” a large public charging site specifically designed for medium- and heavy-duty commercial electric vehicles that is expected to be the first of its kind in the United States. Electric Island will help accelerate the development, testing, and deployment of commercial electric vehicles.

"Oregon's transportation future is electric, and, with global leaders like Daimler Trucks North America right here in Portland, we have the opportunity to accelerate a clean energy transition. We are excited to launch this cutting-edge partnership with DTNA, demonstrating what is possible when utilities and the automotive industry collaborate and innovate,” said Maria Pope, president and CEO of PGE.

Electric Island will provide PGE, DTNA, and the public the opportunity to charge light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles. The site is under construction near DTNA headquarters in Portland, Ore., and will include up to nine vehicle charging stations. Plans for more chargers, on-site energy storage, solar power generation, and a product and technology showcase building are also being considered.

Electric Island is designed to support both PGE's work in meeting customer charging needs and DTNA's work in commercial electric vehicle development.

The project will create new opportunities for future electric vehicle (EV) drivers and electric company customers. Powered by DTNA's enrollment in PGE's Green Future Impact renewable energy program, the site will be greenhouse gas emissions-free, including all vehicle charging.

"In cooperation with PGE, and with the plan to expand electric vehicle charging right here in Portland to support not only our EV charging needs, but those of other drivers in the area, we are paving the way to a brighter, cleaner carbon dioxide-neutral future. As the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles, we can accelerate this shift and are excited to address, holistically, the complete EV ecosystem,” said Roger Nielsen, president and CEO of DTNA.

EVs play an important part in the clean energy transformation that EEI’s member companies are leading. To learn more about EVs and electric transportation, visit EEI’s website.

Tags : Clean Energy, Innovative Partnerships, All