Grants Pass, OR -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2012 -- As a leading Grants Pass, OR dealership, Jim Sigel Automotive is excited for the opening of the West Coast Electric Highway through Southern Oregon. Jim Sigel Automotive provides two of the most popular Electric Vehicles (EV), the Nisan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt, making this “Electric Highway” Project extremely beneficial not only for the West Coast but for Jim Sigel Automotive and their customers as well.

This past weekend, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) launched the first part of the West Coast Electric Highway with officially opening EV charging stations in Southern Oregon, starting with Salem and including Grants Pass, Roseburg, Ashland, Cottage Grove, Rice Hill, Canyonville, Wolf Creek, and Central Point. A total of eight charging stations were opened through Southern Oregon, and the plan is to include an additional 40 stations throughout Oregon and Washington by the end of the year.

The distance between the stations is around 25 miles. This week’s announcement means that the first eight chargers are now operational, and even better, for a "limited time," it does not cost any money to refill your battery. Each charging station includes one Level 2 and one DC fast charger.

The West Coast Electric Highway will eventually allow EV drivers to travel the 1,350-mile stretch of I-5, from Canada to Mexico, without relying on carbon-based fuel. "Fast" charging stations, included at each of the newly operational locations, can provide a full charge for an EV in less than 30 minutes; soon, these stations will dot interchanges up and down I-5.

The “Electric Highway” Project will hopefully encourage more people and businesses in Oregon and surrounding states to buy and use plug-in electric vehicles. Increasing the market demand for electric vehicles will help reduce the transportation sector's impact upon the environment and dependency on foreign oil. By setting the stage for the EV industry to thrive in a clean economy, the project also could mean new jobs and other opportunities for Oregon residents.

The charging station in Grants Pass is located on the North exit in Grants Pass.

To learn more about the West Coast Electric Highway Project or other locations anticipated, go to http://www.avinc.com or http://www.evsolutions.com. Be sure to check out the full-line of Nissan LEAFs and Chevrolet Volts at Jim Sigel Automotive as well, and become part of the very first “Electric Highway”. Find information about electric vehicles at http://www.jimsigel.com.

About Jim Sigel Automotive
Jim Sigel Automotive is located in Grants Pass, Oregon and is proud to be a leading auto group dealer in the area since 1968. Jim Sigel Automotive provides a wide range of new and used cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans, as well as a full line of new Honda, Nissan and Chevrolet vehicles. The factory and A.S.E. rated technicians and professional sales associates strive for nothing less than excellence, and are eager and willing to make your Honda experience one to remember.