Oregon Deploys $16.7 Million For 126 Fast Chargers Along I-84 And Rural Highways

Oregon’s getting a major electric vehicle charging upgrade. The state has awarded US$16.7 million in federal grants to seven private companies. The money will fund 24 new DC fast-charging stations across the state. Together, those stations will offer 126 charging ports for EV drivers.

Oregon is set to receive 24 new DC fast-charging stations, backed by US$16.7 million in federal grants.

The funding comes from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, known as NEVI. Congress created NEVI through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program sets aside US$5 billion in federal funding over five years, running from 2022 to 2026. Oregon’s share through NEVI totals US$52 million by the end of fiscal year 2026. This latest award is Round 2 of Oregon’s NEVI rollout.

The new stations will sit along some of Oregon’s busiest travel corridors. The stations will reportedly be distributed across Interstate 84 and US Highways 20, 26, 97, and 101, spanning central, southern, and coastal Oregon.

Each station must have at least four charging ports. Some locations will offer up to eight. Construction is expected to take between 12 and 18 months to complete.

Seven companies won contracts through a competitive selection process run by the Oregon Department of Transportation. The winners include Love’s, Tesla, and ChargeSmart EV, among other private charging companies selected through the competitive process. Each company must put up at least 20% in matching funds. They’re also required to own, install, and maintain their stations for at least five years. Contracts haven’t been finalized yet but are expected soon. All stations are expected to support 24/7 operation with multiple payment methods.

Oregon’s already planning a third round of NEVI funding, set to launch in summer. That phase will target rural areas that still don’t have easy access to charging. Planned corridors include Interstate 82, Oregon Highway 42, US Highway 95, US Highway 101 south of Reedsport, US Highway 20 east of Bend, and US Highway 26 east of Prineville. The NEVI program aims to position charging stations strategically to support convenient EV road trips, with consideration for nearby amenities.

NEVI’s bigger goal is building a nationwide network of public fast chargers along major highways in all 50 states.

✅ Claims in this article were verified using AI-assisted fact-checking.