Oregon Department of Energy Launches Oregon Electric Fleet Network to Accelerate Fleet Electrification Statewide

Media Contact: Jennifer Kalez

The Oregon Department of Energy, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the National Association of State Energy Officials, has launched a new Oregon Electric Fleet Network, a collaborative initiative bringing together public agencies and medium- and heavy-duty fleet operators to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in Oregon's public and commercial fleets.

The eFleet Network will serve as a statewide forum where fleet managers can share best practices, troubleshoot common challenges, and build the technical and financial knowledge needed to transition their fleets to electric power - from medium-duty delivery vans to heavy-duty trucks. The eFleet Network, which includes a founding group of 24 fleet operators across Oregon's public and private sectors, will serve as a peer-learning community designed to help fleet operators navigate every stage of electrification.

Through regular meetings and shared resources, members will learn directly from one another's successes and setbacks, reducing duplication of effort and helping Oregon fleets electrify faster and more cost-effectively. Following yesterday's in-person kickoff, the eFleet Network will meet virtually on a regular basis to enable participation from across the state.

The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, and fleet vehicles - from state and local government fleets to school buses, transit, and commercial delivery vehicles - represent a significant opportunity for emissions reductions. Many fleet managers face similar hurdles when going electric, including uncertainty about charging infrastructure, upfront costs, available incentives, and vehicle availability.

"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. Electrification, including vehicles, is one of the five pathways identified in the Oregon Energy Strategy to help Oregon meet its energy and climate objectives."

By convening fleets from across sectors and regions, ODOE hopes to increase the pace of fleet electrification statewide, help members make the most of available funding opportunities, and unlock cost savings associated with operating medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

Fleet Forward Electric Ride and Drive

Alongside the eFleet Network kickoff, the State of Oregon and Portland General Electric partnered to host a Fleet Forward Electric Ride and Drive event at Portland International Raceway on September 29. The Ride and Drive offered the broader Oregon fleet electrification community the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the latest electric trucks and vans on the market and talk directly with manufacturers, utilities, and other experts about charging infrastructure and fleet planning.

The Ride and Drive featured more than two dozen electric vehicles available for test drives and static display, showcasing a range of commercial applications - from delivery vans and medium-duty work trucks to refuse trucks, motorcoaches, yard tractors, and Class 8 freight trucks. The event also featured two mobile charging units and an electric John Deere tractor. Vehicles included models available from Tesla, Rivian, Volvo, Mack, Daimler, International, Isuzu, Harbinger, Workhorse, Chevrolet, and others.

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