PGE launches Fleet Partner pilot program to aid electric fleet charging

Portland General Electric kicked off a new program this week known as PGE Fleet Partner, and it’s designed to help Oregon businesses and organizations electrify their vehicle fleets.

“With PGE Fleet Partner, we do the work for them on planning and logistics to build the charging infrastructure, so they can focus on buying the right EVs for their fleet,” Luke Whittemore, transportation electrification engineer with PGE, said.

The program offers partners access to planning and technical services, site design, construction, electric vehicle service equipment rebates, and incentives to help them with electric vehicle infrastructure. To demonstrate its faith in the program, PGE intends to upgrade 75 fleet depots so it will be able to support more than 1,000 EVs, be they delivery vans, school buses, or tractor-trailers.

Currently, transportation represents the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon.

In addition to improved local air quality, PGE noted EV efforts will also help reduce operating and maintenance costs and get partners on a source of fuel that is generated in the Pacific Northwest and is typically less expensive than fossil fuels.

“Electrifying transportation is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” John McFarland, chief customer officer for PGE, said. “PGE Fleet Partner is a prime example of how we are working with customers to combat climate change, improve air quality, and help create a more sustainable way of life critical to Oregon’s future.”