The West Coast Electric Highway, a network of charging stations that will someday extend from Canada to Mexico, reached a milestone last week, as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and charging station partner AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) opened 10 new public charging stations that let EV drivers travel emission-free from Seattle to the Canadian border.

“Today moves us a giant step closer to the day when we can drive our electric cars from Bellingham, Washington to San Diego, California along Interstate 5, secure in the knowledge we can quickly recharge our vehicles along the way,” said Washington Governor Chris Gregoire. “And today is the beginning of a new era in Washington State. An era where we take a giant step toward protecting our environment from damage caused by vehicle emissions, one that will help free us from our dependence on foreign oil, and one that protects drivers from volatile gas prices.”

All of the locations, which are strategically placed near shopping and entertainment venues, offer AeroVironment’s Level 2 chargers, and eight feature DC fast chargers. To access the charging stations, EV drivers must enroll in AeroVironment’s charging network at evsolutions.com/avnetwork or by calling 888-833-2148. Charging will be free “for a limited time.”

“Efficient transportation and the electrification of vehicles is a leading pillar of our State Energy Strategy,” said Rogers Weed, director of Commerce, who drove his own EV to the opening event. “Together our efforts are helping electric vehicle related businesses emerge and grow, providing long-term energy and economic benefits for Washington State.”

Source: Washington State Department of Transportation