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Industry Overview
Top Cluster Priorities
Recent Accomplishments
Cluster Strengths
Cluster Challenges
Organizations Involved
Cluster Contact
Industry Overview
In early 2009, the Portland Development Commission (PDC) identified the emerging cluster of businesses in Portland and Oregon in the Electric Vehicle industry. Since that time, PDC has been working in conjunction with Business Oregon to convene this cluster of businesses and work towards supporting and growing the cluster.
Since convening the first roundtable in April 2009, volunteers from the industry have identified Drive Oregon’s primary mission, convened regularly as a larger roundtable group, and created a board of directors with three primary committees.
The board and committees have been actively meeting to further the identified goals of the group. The committees are focused on financial resources, marketing and advocacy. Recently, the group mobilized advocacy around modifications to the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) which resulted in the successful eligibility of EV manufacturing and renewable energy storage device manufacturing included as Renewable Energy Resource Equipment Manufacturing under the BETC. In addition, the group has worked collaboratively on marketing materials and is organizing events to improve access to capital for this growing industry. Read more on the Drive Oregon website.
Top Cluster Priorities
Support the Oregon Innovation Plan – particularly the recent inclusion of Drive Oregon in the 2011 – 2013 Innovation Plan – which will develop Oregon jobs in the electric vehicle industry as well as develop smart grid and storage technologies.
Recent Accomplishments
Drive Oregon received a funding recommendation from the Oregon Innovation Council, emerging at the top of 23 contenders in a competitive review. Drive Oregon is the only new initiative recommended for funding by the council for the 2011 – 2013 Oregon Innovation Plan, along with five other initiatives currently supported by the state.
Cluster Strengths
- The local Electric Vehicle and Sustainable Transportation cluster has emerged organically with well over 40 organizations.
- State political leadership and government supports electric vehicles and is developing a work plan on how Oregon can be the leader in the new emerging electric vehicle technologies, including both introduction of vehicle and associated technology and manufacturing vehicles and components under Executive Order 10-09.
- Oregon's collaborative culture means that connections between industry, government, and community organizations work together to promote the growth of the cluster.
- Oregon will be a leader in emerging electric vehicles and clean vehicle technologies. Oregon’s leads the nation in hybrid vehicle adoption with a sustainability ethos and strong appreciation for a healthy and environmentally conscious quality of life.
Cluster Challenges
- Translating Oregon’s enthusiasm for electric vehicles into local jobs and economic development will only occur through a focused “economic gardening” approach.
- Access to Financial Capital is a critical challenge to Oregon businesses.
- Less local capital is available to entrepreneurs on a per-capita basis than in neighboring states. The result is that Oregon companies are severely constrained in obtaining the necessary funding to grow their businesses and create local jobs.
- The Oregon Growth Account and Oregon Investment Fund invest a small percentage into Oregon-based start-ups in spite of a legislative mandate to do so.
Organizations Involved
Drive Oregon represents the cluster. There are over 40 companies and organizations involved.
Cluster Contact
John Thornton
Drive Oregon
503-427-1968