Portland, Oregon (February 5, 2013) ? Oregon?s electric vehicle industry is growing fast, even in the teeth of recession, according to a new economic report released today by the Northwest Economic Research Center (NERC) based at Portland State University. The report can be downloaded for free at http://driveoregon.org/resources/

 

Professor Tom Potiowsky, Director of NERC, is slated to present the study’s findings at a public event sponsored by Drive Oregon from 3-5 PM on February 5.  Dr. Potiowsky will also provide a briefing on the report to state legislators and officials on February 6 at the Oregon State Capitol. More information about these events is available at http://driveoregon.org/news-events/events/  

 

Dr. Potiowsky stated, “Our research concluded that Oregon’s electric vehicle industry directly employs more than 400 full-time equivalent employees in approximately 100 firms. Electric vehicle industry employment totals more than 1,600 jobs when indirect and induced impacts are also considered.” In addition, noted Potiowsky, “Our research indicates that the electric vehicle industry generates gross economic activity of $266.56 million, total value added of nearly $148 million and provides more than $89 million in total employee compensation. The industry continued to grow during the Great Recession, while other transportation industries suffered enormous losses.”

 

Jeff Allen, Executive Director of Drive Oregon, noted that, “Drive Oregon commissioned this study to develop a clearer definition of the electric vehicle industry and its supply chain, generate a baseline evaluation of its economic impact in Oregon, and identify opportunities to leverage faster growth in the future.” He added, “The report gives us a lower-bound estimate of this industry’s impact; even so, it is clear that Oregon?s electric vehicle industry is strong, diverse, and growing.”

 

Patrick Quinton, PDC Executive Director said, “Thanks to the study, we’ve gained a robust baseline to measure our progress in building opportunities for local firms to play a bigger role in the electric vehicle industry. In addition, we’ve discovered some lesser-known companies with the potential to partner in our push for job-generating innovation.”

 

Mr. Allen also observed: “The state’s investment in growing this industry is already paying back many times over,” highlighting the study’s finding that the electric vehicle industry contributes more than $12 million annually in state and local tax revenues, and more than $22 million annually in federal tax revenues.

 

The report cost $50,000. Funding was provided by Drive Oregon ($40,000) and PDC ($10,000.) PDC?s funding for the study will come from the federal Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge Grant (JIAC) that was awarded in October 2011 to the Portland Regional Clean Tech Advance Initiative. A key purpose of the JIAC grant, which is administered by PDC, is to improve the Portland region?s position in the growing global clean tech marketplace.  PDC will use the study findings to identify specific opportunities for local businesses to expand their presence in the EV supply chain. 

 

Drive Oregon is a nonprofit public-private partnership with diverse membership from across the range of companies and organizations involved in electrifying the transportation system. Drive Oregon is funded in part with Oregon State Lottery Funds administered by Business Oregon. Drive Oregon’s mission is to promote, support, and grow the electric vehicle industry in Oregon. More information: www.driveoregon.org

The Portland Development Comission (PDC) strives to create one of the world?s most desirable and equitable cities by investing in job creation, innovation, and economic opportunity throughout Portland.  More information: www.pdc.us

 

The Northwest Economic Research Center (NERC) is based at Portland State University in the College of Urban and Public Affairs. The Center focuses on economic research that supports public-policy decision-making, and relates to issues important to Oregon and the Portland Metropolitan Area. NERC serves the public, nonprofit, and private sector community with high quality, unbiased, and credible economic analysis. More information: www.pdx.edu/nerc