Title: Electric Vehicle Road Trip Through Oregon: Insider Guide for Charging Stations and Scenic Routes
Prepare for the Journey Embarking on an electric vehicle (EV) road trip through Oregon is a unique adventure, encompassing the rugged coastline, picturesque vineyards, and stunning mountains, all resplendent with quintessential Oregonian charm. The initial preparation does involve understanding the charging infrastructure. But don’t worry, Oregon leads the nation in accessibility to EV charging stations, with the Oregon Electric Byways program mapping out the entire road trip even before setting foot in the car. Remember to check the EV match website to find charging stations and amenities that fit different car-specific standards.
Embarking from Portland Starting in the bustling city of Portland, there are plenty of fast-charging stations in downtown. For the adventurers who love to set the course, Highway 30 to Astoria (known as the historical Lewis and Clark route) is an excellent start. Don’t forget the fully loaded charging stations in St. Helens and Rainier.
Cruising Down the Coast Once in Astoria, the next leg of the trip is along Highway 101, the famous Pacific Coast Byway. This road offers dramatic coastline views, quaint beach towns, and an abundance of sea-food shacks, perfect for a leisurely pace. Cannon Beach and Tillamook offer plenty of charging facilities. But a word to the wise, coastal weather can change quickly in the afternoon, so it’s better to bring a waterproof jacket, even in summer.
Coast-to-Valley Transition Now, as the trip heads inland via Highway 18, there’s a shift from salty sea air to lush Willamette Valley vineyards. There’s an ample number of charging stations in wine country, including McMinnville and Newberg. These are great places to recharge the vehicle while indulging in some Oregon-produced Pinot Noirs. To be warned though, the tasting rooms here get crowded, especially on the weekends.
Inland Routes: Cascades & Eastern Oregon Turning towards central Oregon, the route on Oregon-126 and US-20 takes EV travellers through the heart of the Cascades, with stunning vista spots like Sahalie and Koosah Falls. The town of Sisters, with its Old West ambiance and EV charging facilities, makes for a memorable pit-stop. Bear in mind the higher elevation can affect EV performance slightly, but no worries, this impact is quite minimal.
The rugged beauty of Eastern Oregon beckons travelers further. The fast-charging stations in the towns of Pendleton or La Grande, located along I-84, make for convenient stops. A word of advice, the weather’s a bit unpredictable in this region, so it’s worth carrying some extra supplies and weather gear just in case.
Capping Off the Journey As the route loops back towards Portland via I-84, the Columbia River Gorge offers one last, breathtaking sight-seeing opportunity. Multnomah Falls is a local favorite, with charging facilities conveniently close at the Troutdale area outside of Portland.
Making the Most of the Trip It’s an EV enthusiast’s delight that Oregon is very charging-friendly and with the plethora of natural beauty, it’s the ideal state for an EV road trip. Locals suggest keeping a fair time buffer for charging, which could be put to good use by strolling and savoring the local amenities, a classic brew, or the organic farmers’ markets.
Lastly, remember, no matter where in Oregon, parking in front of a charging station without charging is frowned upon. It’s seen as ‘getting ICEd’, a term used when internal combustion engine vehicles block charging stations.
Final Thoughts The exponential increase in charging stations, combined with Oregon’s diverse beauty, makes this a state where taking an EV road trip is not only feasible but exceptionally enjoyable. Relish the journey, explore the unbeaten paths and remember, an adventure in Oregon is always about the journey, not just the destination. Now, go ahead, plug in, charge, and set the course. Embrace the open roads of beautiful Oregon – they’re ready for the electric vehicle advent. Safe travels!