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ChargeWest™: West Electric Highway, Electrified Corridors of the Intermountain States 

The ChargeWest™ Electric Highway launch event was successfully held on June 21, 2022, at the Packsize® headquarters, thanks to the combined efforts of over 75 partners, funding from the Department of Energy Vehicle Technologies Program, and assistance from the National Association of State Energy Offices. 

 

The project is proudly administered by the Utah Clean Cities Coalition, which assists organizations and fleets in their efforts to contribute to clean air by reducing vehicle emissions.The ChargeWest™ project brings together eight states to create EV corridors for the intermountain west: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. It is focused on connecting the states with EV charging and reducing the use of petroleum in the United States. Across this initiative, these states commit to developing infrastructure for rural gateway communities, state and national parks, monuments, recreation  areas, and scenic byways.

 

“We need to unite, we need to work together across our state lines and make sure that we have charging as we travel as well as when we arrive.” –Tammie Bostick

 

Before the event commenced, Hanko Kiessner, CEO of Packsize and Co-Founder and Chairman of Leaders For Clean Air, offered an exclusive tour of Packsize.

The launch then began with a brief introduction to the initiative by Tammie Bostick, executive director of Utah Clean Cities. A recording of Governor Spencer Cox’s special keynote speech regarding ChargeWest™ was then played. Following this, talks from the distinguished event speakers were given, covering the importance of this initiative, what its long-term impacts will be, and how this collaborative effort came to be.

Speakers for the launch include; Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Salt Lake City Mayor; Kim Frost Executive, Director Utah Clean Air Partnership; Hanko Kiessner, Co-Founder & Chairman Leaders For Clean Air; Flint Timmins, Destination Development Specialist Utah Office of Tourism; Tammie Bostick,  Executive Director Utah Clean Cities.

The official launch and event wrapped up with an exciting EV and workplace charging showcase, with ride-n-drives featuring the latest in EV’s available from Rivian, Tesla, Chevy, BMW, and Arcimoto. 

 

“We need to make sure that we are investing in infrastructure today, that is intended to last for the long term.” – Kim Frost

 

The successful launch of ChargeWest™ highlights the fortitude of the west by not only looking optimistically towards the future but also by taking a step forward and building the foundations for it.

Utah Clean Cities would like to offer a special thanks to all attendees, honored speakers, and all those involved in making this event a successful start to ChargeWest™.

 

 

 

Video Message from Governor Cox.

 

UCC Event Media Coverage:

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