06.18.2024

Today’s Forecast

74º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 5:21 a.m. | Sunset 9:02 p.m.
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Plug it in, plug it in

Decode the code: Electric vehicle charging on residential properties

Is it time to ditch the pump? | Photo by Mike Birdy/Pexels

It’s no secret that electric vehicles (EVs) are on the rise — a record 1.2 million electric vehicles were sold in the US in 2023. If you’re thinking about getting around gas prices with a new EV but don’t know where to start, plug in to your research with this quick explainer on electric vehicle charging.

Why might I want an electric vehicle?

In addition to the climate impact, EV drivers save an average of $500-$1,500 per year in refueling costs, in addition to a ~40% reduction in maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle.

Charging at home

Level 1 chargers plug into a standard 120-volt (NEMA 5-15) electrical outlet using the cord that comes with the vehicle. While it doesn’t require extra equipment for your home, this method can take up to several days to fully charge the car.

Level 2 chargers plug into a 240-volt (NEMA 14-50) receptacle — like the one used for home appliances — and can charge the car in about 4-6 hours. Portland General Electric offers up to a $1,000 income-qualified rebate for the purchase and installation of a Level 2 charger, but before moving forward with the electrical upgrade required for one, Portlanders must apply for an electrical permit from the Bureau of Development Services. Hire an electrician who is licensed to work in the state — the Oregon Construction Contractors Board can help you find one.

Freeways criss-cross along the bank of a large river with bridges and tall buildings in the background. — Fun fact: As of February 2024, there were 24,505 zero-emission vehicles registered in Multnomah County.

Charging on the go

Direct Current Fast Chargers are typically high-voltage, public charging stations — rather than private residential locations — that can provide 60 to 100 miles for every 20 minutes of charge.

The city of Portland — and nearby state parks — are stocked with thousands of public charging stations. PGE’s “Electric Avenue” program offers access to DC Fast Chargers at $5 for two hours, or use a map to find other local chargers.

From solar power to drone piloting, check out our other decoded Portland codes.

Asked

What would be your top priority when purchasing an electric car?

Range
Charge port
Reliability
Comfort

Plug in your answer

Events

Tuesday, June 18

“Oregon’s Others” Book Launch | Tuesday, June 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Oregon Historical Society, 1200 SW Park Ave., Portland | Free | Hear from author and historian Kimberly Jensen on this book documenting local and national civil liberties (and the lack thereof) during the early 20th century.
Portland Beer Week | Tuesday, June 18-Sunday, June 23 | Times vary | Locations vary, Portland | Price of purchase | Don’t be fooled by the name — this celebration chugs along for 10 days of food pairings, chef collaborations, interactive tastings, educational seminars, and more.

Wednesday, June 19

Juneteenth In my Shoes 2024: Woodlawn Walking Tour | Wednesday, June 19 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Black Rose Market, 6732 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland | Free | Follow Word is Bond ambassador Jahad on a walk through the Woodlawn neighborhood, learning about his childhood and dreams, Juneteenth, and excerpts from historic speeches.
Juneteenth In My Shoes 2024: King Neighborhood Walking Tour | Wednesday, June 19 | 12:15-1:30 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, 4906 NE Sixth Ave., Portland | Free | Learn about the historically Black neighborhood’s past and present on this journey led by Mycah Alemseghed, a Word Is Bond ambassador who grew up in the King neighborhood.
Animal Walk with Farmer Kat | Wednesday, June 19-Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 10:30-11 a.m. | Topaz Farm, 17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd., Portland | Free | Bring your kiddos to meet and learn about different farm animals each week; stick around afterward for food, shopping, u-pick berries, and outdoor activities.

Thursday, June 20

South Waterfront Farmers Market | Thursday, June 20 | 2-7 p.m. | Elizabeth Caruthers Park, 3508 S. Moody Ave., Portland | Free | Shop for seasonal produce, connect with local farmers and artisans, or just wind down the day by enjoying live music in an open-air setting.
Gianmarco Soresi | Thursday, June 20-Saturday, June 22 | Times vary | Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE Ninth Ave., Portland | $22-$42 | This New York-based stand-up comedian you might know from Netflix’s “Bonding” or “Hustlers” is bringing his wit and energetic style to Portland’s laugh factory.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Civic

The city of Portland has once again banned the purchase and use of personal fireworks within city limits to combat wildfire risks. Firefighters responded to 50+ calls on July 4, 2023 — and officials say they will crack down on illegal fireworks use that causes injury or property damage this year. (KOIN)

Drink Up

Raise a glass, drop a deal. We’ll be toasting to Drink Up Week — a celebration of Portland’s vibrant beverage scene — from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26. If you own a local business that serves beverages, join us by offering a fun drink deal to our readers — we may include it in a newsletter.

Eat

Everything about new fish taco cart Bajala — including its name — is a nod to Ensenada culture. Owners Juan Flores and Lizbeth Sanchez took pains to get textures and flavors just right before opening in the Nob Hill Food Carts pod, sourcing sturgeon from Washington state, shrimp from Sinaloa, and locally made tortillas. (Eater Portland)

Number

3,000. That’s how many yellow rectangles artist Kaitlyn Carr hand-cut and pasted on the side of the SmartPark near downtown Portland’s Central Library after PBOT gave neighboring art gallery after/time permission to install a mural. The work, which resembles abstract computer code, will be in place through September. (Willamette Week)

Health

The Portland Clinic, “Oregon’s oldest, private, multi-specialty medical group” with six locations in the metro area, has officially closed its Downtown Surgery Center after four decades of operation. The clinic moved its ambulatory surgery services to the Alberty Surgical Center in Tigard during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Portland Business Journal)

Try This

“Silversmith” has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Learn the ways of this ancient art and make high-quality jewelry in a one-on-one workshop with Dark Moon Silver. Students choose between two different courses and receive hands-on training at a Southeast Portland studio — all skill levels are welcome.

Sports

Locked On Blazers host Mike Richman answered questions submitted by listeners of the daily podcast. Tune in for his thoughts on topics like Chauncey Billups’ coaching staff vacancies, Matisse Thybulle’s trade market, and which player hitting their 99th percentile outcome would benefit the franchise the most.

Outdoors

Explore the Columbia River Gorge like never before with Portland Spirit’s three-and-a-half-hour cruise on the Explorer Jetboat. Experience the 7 Wonders of the Gorge on a round-trip journey from Portland to Multnomah Falls. Grab tickets to experience this summer adventure, offered daily July through September (except Tuesdays) at 2 p.m.*

Community

Curbside recycling gets a power-up

City of Portland rolls out curbside battery recycling service for some residents

This photo of a curb outside of a home shows three tall waste bins, one is black, one is green, and one is blue, and a short yellow bin with a recycling emblem. A graphic over the yellow bin shows a one-quart bag containing various types of batteries.

Never put batteries in the trash — they can start fires. | Image via city of Portland

The city of Portland has made it easier to move on when the drum-banging pink bunny finally keels over (read: your batteries die). Starting this month, some Portlanders can set out old batteries for curbside pickup thanks to a new service from the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability.

People living in a house, duplex, triplex, or fourplex can recycle batteries that fit in a sealed, quart-sized bag. Here’s what to do:

Cover the ends of batteries not marked “alkaline” with clear tape before bagging them; alkaline batteries can be bagged without tape
Set the bag inside your yellow glass recycling bin, on top of other items so it’s easily visible

Some batteries, like those inside cellphones, laptops, and electric toothbrushes, can’t be left for curbside pickup and must be taken to a drop-off center.

By offering curbside battery collection — a service already provided to Ridwell customers — the city aims to lower the risk of battery-caused fires at recycling and waste facilities.

The Buy

The Buy 6.18.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The perfect wedding guest outfit for your next summer or fall affair. Don’t forget the sparkly, satin-y shoes.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Cambrie

From the editor

I was enjoying a picnic dinner along a river last week when I spotted a pair of stand-up paddleboarders and thought, “I’ve wanted to try that for years — why haven’t I?” If you, like me, have entertained similar thoughts, then join me in getting pumped for free SUP lessons with three-time world champion Fiona Wylde this summer.

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