Driving into the Future: Washington’s Electric Charging Stations
Within six months, drivers will be recharging their electric vehicles, like the Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt, along Washington’s Electric Highways. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) selected Monrovia, Calif.-based AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) to transform Interstate 5 and US 2 into the premier interstates of the 21st century, serving the latest generation of electric cars.
AeroVironment rose to the top during a competitive contract award process in which six companies submitted proposals to electrify I-5 and US 2 on a budget of $1 million.
AeroVironment will manufacture, supply, install and operate a network of nine fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. Stations will be located every 40 to 60 miles along stretches of I-5 between the Canadian border and Everett and between Olympia and the Oregon border, as well as along US 2 between Everett and Leavenworth.
