May 28, 2010

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland General Electric is celebrating Oregon’s leadership in the electric vehicle movement with an aptly themed Starlight Parade float — “Plug In. Charge up. Drive on.” — featuring a ginormous PGE charging station and two cute, cartoon-like EVs.

During the Rose Festival PGE/SOLV Starlight Parade, the PGE float will be flanked by five next-generation EVs: a Mitsubishi i-MiEV, a Navistar eStar truck, a THINK City, an Arcimoto Pulse, and PGE’s customized plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

“We want parade attendees to see next-generation electric vehicles are here and will soon be available to Oregonians as an excellent sustainable transportation option,” said Dave Robertson, vice president of public policy, PGE.

“There has been a whirlwind of electric vehicle activity in the region this past year, and the Starlight Parade is an excellent venue to celebrate Oregonians’ accomplishments in making our state a leader in the EV movement,” Robertson added.

Aboard PGE’s charging station float will be several “green tween” EV riders from SOLV’s Green Team, a stream restoration program for middle- and high-school students.

The next-generation EVs featured in the parade will be on public display Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at World Trade Center plaza at 121 SW Salmon St., Portland.

Following the Starlight Parade, the charging station float will make a second appearance, remade with fresh flowers and greenery, at the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade June 12.

Since PGE unveiled its redesigned charging station in July 2008, PGE and the state of Oregon have announced a number of EV-related activities including partnerships with Mitsubishi and Nissan, and participation in a nearly $100 million U.S. Department of Energy grant program called the EV Project, which will bring thousands of EVs and charging stations to Oregon homes and businesses in the next few years.