Navigating the future of electric transportation: PGE event puts Oregonians behind the wheel of heavy-duty electric vehicles

As the Pacific Northwest accelerates toward an electric future, Portland General Electric is hosting its first-ever Fleet Forward Electric Ride & Drive event on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Portland International Raceway to help commercial fleets navigate the shift to electric transportation.

In partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), and the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), PGE is inviting local area fleet managers, operators, maintenance professionals, and other organizations interested in exploring fleet electrification to get behind the wheel of medium- to heavy-duty electric vehicles and learn about the tools, technology and resources available to support their transition.

The Fleet Forward Electric Ride & Drive is a hands-on opportunity to test-drive electric semitrucks, box trucks, and more, while learning about the latest fleet and charging technologies and connecting with industry professionals.

"You have to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle to experience it for yourself," said Karla Hendrickson, PGE transportation electrification manager. "This all-in-one event brings together the equipment, technology, and expert guidance fleets need to experience the business benefits of fleet electrification and how to get ready today for an electric future."

Whether it's for businesses, municipalities, school districts, or other organizations, fleet electrification offers a return on investment through reduced fuel and maintenance costs while offering an environmentally friendly solution to one of Oregon's largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

"Electrifying Oregon's transportation system, including commercial vehicles, is critical to reaching our clean energy goals and making the Oregon Energy Strategy a reality. The Fleet Forward Electric Ride & Drive event allows attendees to envision that future," said ODOE Director Janine Benner.

"At Oregon DEQ, we've seen the enthusiasm people have across the state to reduce operating costs by transitioning their medium- and heavy-duty fleets to electric," said Oregon DEQ Air Quality Senior Transportation Policy Advisor Gerik Kransky. "We look forward to meeting fleet managers, freight operators, and Oregon-based business leaders as they test drive new zero-emissions vehicles, learn how to integrate them into their operations, and discuss DEQ's medium- and heavy-duty grants and incentives."

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PGE's Fleet Partner Program

PGE electric transportation experts will be on hand to answer questions about its Fleet Partner Program. Through the program, PGE's team can help manage the process from beginning to end.

Program participants will receive expert guidance through planning and design, end-to-end coordination to simplify the process, identifying financial incentives, site support, load and charging analysis, and infrastructure designed for future fleet growth.

Click here to learn more about PGE's Fleet Partner Program.

Interview availability with representatives with Portland General Electric, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department of Energy, and Oregon Department of Transportation.