Utah Clean Cities is excited to announce the official launch of ChargeWest™, the West Electric Highway project. This groundbreaking initiative will transform transportation across eight states in the Intermountain West by establishing a network of sustainable electric corridors. The project aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions while building Range Confidence for electric vehicle drivers by ensuring reliable access to charging stations along heavily traveled routes, scenic byways, and national parks. Tammie Bostick, Executive Director of Utah Clean Cities and Principal Investigator, says: “The launch of ChargeWest™ will revolutionize electric transportation in the West. By installing electric charging stations on remote roadways across eight states, we are advancing clean transportation, ensuring accessibility for all vehicles, and significantly reducing carbon emissions. ChargeWest™ targets these scenic routes because travelers seek them out for unique experiences, often making them a destination.”

ChargeWest™ project partners from across the western states met in Salt Lake City on Thursday for this important event. Bonnie Trowbridge of Drive Clean Colorado and Alicia Cox from Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities and Communities attended the launch to share their states’ commitment to electric travel. They highlighted the impact of electric corridors on national parks, scenic byways, and All-American Roads, and how this collective effort supports their state and National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) programs. Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Utah, the Utah Department of Transportation, and the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office were also in attendance, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the project. The launch of ChargeWest™ on October 3^rd held special significance for Utah Clean Cities, as it marked exactly 30 years since they became part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program.