The West Coast Clean Transit Initiative, a network of nine electric utilities and two public agencies representing more than two dozen municipal utilities, published their final report on June 17, 2020. The report outlines key findings from a study assessing the prospect of implementing EV charging fro freight trucks along the entire stretch of Interstate 5. The study recommends a phased approach for electrifying the I-5 corridor. At least 27 stations spaced out at 50-mile intervals would be included in phase one of the roll out which will take place through 2025. Stations deployed in phase one will support charging for medium-duty EVs. In later phases, half of the initial stations deployed would be upgraded to allow for charging of EV freight trucks through 2030. Corridor charging is meant to be implemented in a way that supports an anticipated increase in heavy-duty truck electrification in California, which is estimated to reach eight percent of the state’s fleet by 2030.
According to the final report, 16 of the 27 proposed sites are in California, five are in Oregon and six are in Washington. An additional 41 sites on other highways that connect to I-5 are included in the proposal as well. Those highways include Interstates 8, 10, 80, 210 and 710 and state routes 60 and 99 in California; I-84 in Oregon and I-90 in Washington. A key focus in developing this corridor will prioritize necessary upgrades for rural areas along I-5 that do not currently have the capacity to support freight truck charging.
(hat tip to Michael Backstrom)
