A new multi-state partnership led by the nonprofit Treasure Valley Clean Cities Coalition, based in Boise, is aiming to locate and link locations for EV charging stations in the Western region.
The new alliance, which spans eight states in the Intermountain West—Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico—is known as ChargeWest, the West Electric Highway.
According to Randi Walkins, executive director of Treasure Valley Clean Cities, the project’s objective is to link a network of EV charging stations along highways and picturesque byways throughout the eight states. Knowing that there would be charging stations along the way would allow electric vehicle drivers to travel securely on lengthy road journeys across the West to see beautiful national parks or more isolated sites, while also lowering vehicle emissions.
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In a phone interview, Walkins stated that the objective is to attempt to create a seamless, connected experience for drivers of electric vehicles or those who are considering driving them so they may go across the state or the nation.
Many of the project’s partner organizations are part of the Clean Cities and Communities initiative run by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Idaho is not by alone. Utah Clean Cities is one of four ChargeWest-participating partners in Idaho’s surrounding states.
In a prepared statement, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said, “The ChargeWest project reflects our commitment to clean energy and a sustainable future.” We are lowering our carbon footprint and assisting gateway communities that welcome millions of tourists each year by making investments in resilient grid infrastructure and electric corridors. This program highlights our commitment to maintaining the natural beauty of the Intermountain West, including our 19 recognized national parks, while setting the standard for electric transportation as more tourists drive electric vehicles.
According to Walkins, Utah Clean Cities Executive Director Tammie Bostic played a key role in establishing the collaboration among Western states.
Partners throughout the West and Idaho search for locations for EV charging stations.
The Treasure Valley Clean Cities Coalition announced in a press release that ChargeWest was awarded a $1.5 million contract by the U.S. Department of Energy Vehicle Technology Office. The partners are planning routes in Idaho and throughout the Intermountain West, according to Walkins. Working with the National ElectrIc Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, or NEVI, is one method Treasure Valley Clean Cities will do that. The goal of NEVI is to create a nationwide network of interstate highways with connected EV charging stations spaced every 50 miles.
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In order to link Idaho with its neighboring states and lower automobile emissions, ChargeWest can collaborate with NEVI in Idaho to find smaller, picturesque routes for EV charging stations.
The Idaho Capital Sun previously reported that the state has announced possible locations for electric car charging stations and concluded a study to evaluate prospective locations for electric vehicle charging stations in Idaho as part of the NEVI program.
According to Walkins, the vastness and isolation of the West make ChargeWest significant. Although driving an electric vehicle in the West presents certain difficulties, Walkins stated that these can be resolved with the help of ChargeWest.
According to Walkins, the intermountain west contains some of the most unique and rural locations in the country. What is truly wonderful is that the United States as a whole will be able to use electric vehicles if we can find out how to use them in our rural areas.
Visit www.chargewestev.org to learn more about ChargeWest, the Electric Highway Project.
Visit www.treasurevalleycleancities.org to learn more about the Treasure Valley Clean Cities Coalitions.
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