Workshops offer tips for people interested in electric vehicles

Members of the University of Oregon community are invited to learn more about electric vehicles, also called “EVs” at two upcoming, online workshops.

The sessions will be held at 7 p.m. May 17 and June 17. Workshop participants will qualify for discounts between $200 and $1,000 off a new EV at local Eugene dealerships. Registration is required.

The UO’s main campus can currently charge up to 22 EVs at one time. Transportation Services has been working to increase UO’s EV charging infrastructure.

 “UO Transportation Services strongly supports expanded electric vehicle use on campus to help the university meet its sustainability goals,” said Transportation Services director David Reesor. “In 2019 we partnered with UO Housing to add new EV charging availability at Spencer View Apartments, and in 2021 we partnered with Campus Planning and Facilities Management and Knight Campus to complete the new construction of the Millrace Drive Parking Garage, which added new EV chargers for immediate use.”

The new parking garage also has been designed to expand charging capacity in future years as demand increases.

The rEV Up! program began in the university’s Office of Sustainability as a way to inform the community about the basics of EVs, as well as the pros and cons to owning one. As the United States and other nations respond to the growing threat of climate change, EVs are expected to become more and more common as a low carbon emitting driving option.

The rEV Up! program has since been transitioned to the Emerald Valley Electric Vehicle Association, with ongoing support from the city of Eugene, Eugene Water and Electric Board, and UO Sustainability, among others.