New charging stations planned for Twisp,
Newhalem and Pateros
RICHLAND, Wash. – Electric vehicle owners making the drive through the Methow Valley in the North Cascades region of Washington will soon have three more options for quickly charging their rides along state routes 20 and 153 and U.S. Highway 97.
The new charging stations along the Cascade Loop Corridor, a National Scenic Byway, are funded by a $1.4 million grant awarded to Energy Northwest by the Washington State Department of Transportation's Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Partnerships (ZEVIP). The partnership is dedicated to funding the installation of new and upgraded electric vehicle charging equipment and hydrogen fueling infrastructure along priority corridors throughout Washington. These new stations provide a critical connection to existing fast charging stations near SR 20 in Burlington and US 2 in Wenatchee.
The project is a collaboration with Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions (EVCS), one of the largest EV fast-charging network operators on the West Coast, and Energy Northwest, a Washington state joint operating agency with one of the largest carbon-free energy portfolios in the region. Energy Northwest has been involved with EV infrastructure development since 2016 and has overseen installation of 10 charging stations in eastern and central Washington.
“Energy Northwest is striving to help Washington state meet its climate goals and be a leader in the clean energy transformation," said Greg Cullen, Energy Northwest's vice president for Energy Services & Development. “We're constantly exploring strategies that can make an impact in both the energy and transportation sectors while supporting public power members and customers."
Adding to the sentiment, Kirk Johnson, EVCS Chief Growth Officer said, “EVCS is committed to making EV adoption more accessible for drivers throughout Washington and we're proud to be working with Energy Northwest to make this possible."
EVCS will construct, own and operate the new charging stations, which are expected to be in service by June 30, 2023.
Community partners
There was tremendous support from local communities along the route to bring this effort together.
Community volunteers in the Methow Valley organized a partnership with public utilities and local governments to coordinate the ZEVIP grant application to fund high-speed electric vehicle charging stations in the rural communities of Pateros, Twisp and Newhalem.
Establishing charging infrastructure along the Cascade Loop Corridor is a step toward electrifying Washington's transportation sector and connecting rural communities across the state.
“Transportation is by far our largest source of climate pollution in the Methow Valley," said Dana Golden, who coordinates implementation of the Resilient Methow Climate Action Plan. “This new infrastructure will help residents and visitors to the valley take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of using clean, locally produced electricity from public utilities to displace oil for transportation fuel."
The three new stations along the route will each include at least two DC fast chargers with a minimum power output of 150kW, at least one Level 2 charger, a Tesla adapter, and a 120V convenience outlet capable of charging e-bikes, wheelchairs and e-scooters. The Pateros station has an additional charger that allows up to 350kW of charging for two vehicles.
Once the stations are online, they will be listed on the PlugShare website and mobile application.
About Energy Northwest
Energy Northwest develops, owns and operates a diverse mix of electricity generating resources, including hydro, nuclear, solar, battery storage and wind. These projects provide carbon-free electricity at the cost of generation – enough clean, cost-effective and reliable energy to power more than a million homes each year. As an independent joint operating agency of Washington state, Energy Northwest comprises 28 public power member utilities from across the state serving more than 1.5 million customers. The agency continually explores new generation projects to meet its members' needs. Visit our website for more information about us. www.energy-northwest.com.
Contact: media@energy-northwest.com
