Private and state partners announce completion of electric vehicle chargers in Oregon State Parks

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), electric vehicle maker Rivian, nonprofit Adopt A Charger (AAC), and manufacturer Entec Polymers have unveiled four Rivian Waypoints Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at Silver Falls State Park. The chargers offer park visitors an historic opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while using zero-emission vehicles to reduce air pollution and protect Oregon’s natural beauty.

From right to left: Kitty Adams: Executive Director - Adopt A Charger, Steve Tomaszewski: Senior Vice President & General Manager - Entec Polymers, Hannah Steinweg: Public Policy Manager - Rivian, Kelly Brooks: Transportation Advisor - Governor Kotek, Chris Havel: Associate Director - Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

In addition to Silver Falls, 17 other chargers have been installed among the following parks:

• Banks-Vernonia State Trail
• L. L. Stub Stewart State Park
• Cape Lookout State Park
• William M. Tugman State Park
• Prineville Reservoir State Park
• The Cove Palisades State Park

Additional information about the OPRD program including charging station locations and charging etiquette is available on the department website.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Rivian, Adopt A Charger and Entec Polymers. These public-private partnerships allow for innovative projects that help improve state park infrastructure and achieve a shared vision for a cleaner, greener future,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Sumption.

Rivian, working through AAC, donated the installation design, construction costs and EV chargers placed in the parks. Fundraising by AAC brought plastics manufacturer Entec Polymers as a private donor to cover the cost of visitor charging electricity for a limited time.

“The installation of EV charging stations at Oregon State Parks supports OPRD’s environmental stewardship by enabling zero emission travel to these popular destinations. It complements The Oregon Electric Byways and the West Coast Electric Highway, which provide the framework for EV tourism, by closing the gaps in the infrastructure,” said Kitty Adams Hoksbergen, Executive Director of Adopt a Charger. “I am forever grateful to OPRD, Rivian, and Entec for recognizing the need to provide car charging at these parks to help give visitors the confidence to purchase a plug-in vehicle.”

The Level 2 chargers are compatible with all electric vehicles and are powered by 100% renewable energy via Rivian’s energy matching program. This collaborative effort extends the electric charging infrastructure grid to new areas for EV drivers to explore. The chargers will improve recreational access for all EV drivers, not just Rivian owners.

“We’re proud to support Oregon State Park’s mission to provide safe and equitable access to state parks with these electric vehicle chargers,” said Trent Warnke, Senior Director of Energy and Charging Solutions at Rivian. “Our Rivian Waypoints chargers are compatible with any EV and through our energy matching program, can provide zero-emission energy to any EV driver who might need it – peace of mind in terms of getting where you need to go whether that’s home or onto another one of Oregon’s beautiful state parks.”

The new state parks EV chargers join the nearly 1,700 public Level 2 chargers throughout Oregon. More public charging options will help convince more drivers to consider an EV for their next vehicle. Transitioning Oregon’s cars, trucks and SUVs to electric vehicles is part of the state’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.