Washington State to have an “electric highway”
This is a stretch of Interstate Highway 5 (I-5), which is not far from where I live. I’ve just learned that a part of I-5 spanning from Oregon to Canada is planned on receiving a huge makeover.
In fact, the government has granted $1.32 million dollars to turn this part of I-5 into an electric highway. This is not a highway that is completely electric, but one set up for the electric car. It will have 10 Level-3 charging stations at 80 mile intervals. Considering that the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf can handle about 100 miles on a single charge, that sounds like good spacing.
Of course, my source was quick to point out that charging a normal electric car could take as long as 30 minutes, and that would make for a long trip to the border. However, I wonder if that is what could make these electric stations on the electric highway stand out. I’ve seen many stops on the side of the highway which have business because they offer food and entertainment, so why not these electric stops?
Well, whatever the case, it is one more step into an electric car future. I suppose that if all the oil runs out like doomsayers say it will, then we will need more electric highways.
Join 6 reviews or comments
Ed Says: July 3, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Actually, the Volt has 40 mi of electric range, which is a bit less than 80mi.
The electric highway Says: July 5, 2010 at 7:51 am
[...] Source [Coolest Gadgets] [...]
Eddie Says: July 6, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Actually, there’s a project called “solar roadways” (check out their website!), which plans to replace conventional asphalt with a road made of solar panels. They will not only produce electricity, but the team is working on how feed electric motors on the go thanks to wireless electricity!
mat Says: September 6, 2010 at 3:31 am
Companies can get a feel for sales based upon pre-orders. Not guaranteed, but sure beats NO ONE pre-ordering the Volt.
I even have friends pre-ordering them based upon the favorable lease rates, which are far below what a car payment would be if they bought.
My brother would save about $150 a month in fuel costs because of his long commute (even if he had to dip into using gas everyday). His old clunker is costing him an annualized average of $150 a month in repairs, too.. Not having airbags is also a problem of safety for my brother, and the Volt has a great airbag arrangement for safety.
Delphi center in the Valley emerges as world leader in hybrid-car technology – Youngstown Vindicator | Driving Vacancies – Cars and Places Says: April 6, 2011 at 10:24 pm
[...] to hybridcars.com. … Driving Between Canada and Oregon? Take the Electric HighwayGeekosystem Washington State to have an “electric highway”Coolest Gadgets all 5 news [...]
Jeremy Says: July 2, 2010 at 8:10 pm
$1.32 million dollars — hardly enough money. Typo?