Associated Press & Amy Sienicki
 
November 20, 2008
 
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Gov. Ted Kulongoski says Oregon, the Japanese automaker Nissan, and the state's largest utility, PGE, will collaborate to promote the use of electric cars.
 
The governor is on an Asian trade mission.
 
In a statement, he said Wednesday that Nissan will supply electric cars for the state's fleet when they are ready for market in 2010.
 
PGE says it will share technical and educational information as it expands its network of charging stations. It has six in the Portland region and Salem, and plans for six more.
 
Kulongoski has made electric vehicles a key part of his climate change and transportation programs and called for shifting the state's tax credit from hybrids to plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles.
 
"It's part of his overall climate change package. The governor firmly believes that electric cars are kind of the future in terms of transportation," says Gov. Kulongoski Spokesperson Rem Nivens.
 
Cliff Wheeler, co-owner of Toyota Wheeler in Grants Pass, says about 10-percent of his client base is already interested in alternative fuel vehicles.
 
"Our Prius, which is our gas/electric vehicle, has one of the highest percentages of sale in Oregon, and particularly Southern Oregon," says Wheeler.
 
Wheeler says he thinks this innovative idea could help the struggling car industry.
 
"Anything new and green that would promote interest or excitment in the industry would be a plus," says Wheeler.