The Oregon Department of Energy has launched the Oregon Electric Fleet Network, a collaborative initiative bringing together public agencies and commercial fleet operators to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the state's public and commercial fleets.
The network includes a founding group of 24 fleet operators from Oregon's public and private sectors and will serve as a peer-learning community where fleet managers can share best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and build technical and financial knowledge needed to transition operations to electric power. Members manage a range of vehicles, from medium-duty delivery vans to heavy-duty trucks.
The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, and fleet vehicles represent a significant opportunity for emissions reductions. Fleet managers transitioning to electric power commonly encounter similar obstacles, including uncertainty about charging infrastructure, upfront costs, available incentives, and vehicle availability, the agency said.
Following an in-person kickoff meeting, the network will meet virtually on a regular basis to enable participation across the state. The Oregon Department of Energy launched the initiative in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the National Association of State Energy Officials.
"Fleet operators across Oregon are working through similar questions as they plan for an electric future — and there's a lot of value in not having to solve those problems alone," said Oregon Department of Energy Director Janine Benner. "The Oregon Electric Fleet Network gives fleet managers a place to learn from each other, share what's working, and move forward with more confidence and less trial and error."
The State of Oregon and Portland General Electric hosted a Fleet Forward Electric Ride and Drive event at Portland International Raceway on September 29, where fleet operators could test drive the latest electric trucks and vans and discuss charging infrastructure with manufacturers and utilities. The event featured more than two dozen electric vehicles available for test drives and static display, including models from Tesla, Rivian, Volvo, Mack, Daimler, International, Isuzu, Harbinger, Workhorse, and Chevrolet, along with electric John Deere tractors and two mobile charging units.