The cutting-edge charging station, a project realized through a partnership with Electric Era and Umpqua Indian Utility Cooperative, is strategically located at Exit 99 off Interstate 5. This location is designed to cater to the numerous travelers passing through Southern Oregon, an area known for its scenic beauty but previously limited in options for clean transportation refueling. The new facility directly addresses this gap by providing reliable and universally compatible EV charging solutions.
Equipped with advanced battery-backed technology from Electric Era, the station boasts an impressive capacity to simultaneously charge up to 12 electric vehicles. Utilizing level 3 fast-charging capabilities, it significantly reduces charging times, with most EVs achieving a full charge in just 15 to 35 minutes at an estimated cost of under $25. This speed and affordability are key to encouraging the broader adoption of electric vehicles for both local residents and long-distance travelers.
Carla Keene, Chairman of the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Board of Directors, highlighted the project’s alignment with the Tribe’s long-term environmental and sustainability goals. “This is a very important step forward in our green initiatives for the coming years,” Keene stated at the grand opening event. “The Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Board of Directors has indicated interest in exploring energy independence, and what that would look like in many forms for our Tribal businesses.” She further emphasized the Tribe’s commitment to future generations, stating, “We feel that this rapid, universal electric vehicle charging station supports our overall mission of making decisions that benefit our Tribal citizens and our community for seven generations into the future. The Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe is supportive of seeking alternative forms of energy, and supportive of transportation that omits pumping pollutants and greenhouse gases into the air. The forests and mountains in Canyonville deserve clean air, just like all of us in Southern Oregon.”
Quincy Lee, CEO of Electric Era, also expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Seven Feathers Truck & Travel Center. “The staff at 7 Feathers Truck & Travel Center have been incredible partners in our mission to bring reliable and affordable EV fast charging everywhere,” Lee remarked. “We are thrilled to support their leadership in electric transportation with the launch of Oregon’s largest non-Tesla EV fast charging station on their Tribal land.” He added, “This collaboration showcases Seven Feathers’ commitment to providing cutting-edge amenities while promoting clean energy and economic growth. We are proud to work alongside them in expanding critical EV infrastructure and making reliable charging more accessible. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to partnering with forward-thinking organizations like Seven Feathers to accelerate the adoption of clean transportation for a more electric future.”
Electric Era, the technology provider for this project, was founded by alumni of SpaceX, bringing a pedigree of innovation and reliability to the EV charging sector. The company focuses on creating dependable, cost-effective, and widely accessible EV fast-charging solutions. By partnering with tribal enterprises and convenience stores in underserved rural areas, Electric Era is playing a crucial role in expanding the national EV charging network. Their stations are engineered for exceptional uptime, promising over 98% reliability, which is vital for ensuring driver confidence and promoting EV adoption in areas where charging infrastructure is still developing.
The Exit 99 campus, operated by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and its Umpqua Indian Development Corporation, is a significant regional destination. It encompasses Seven Feathers Casino Resort, Creekside Hotel and Suites, Seven Feathers RV Resort, 7 Feathers Truck & Travel Center, and the Cow Creek Health & Wellness Center. The addition of the EV charging station at 7 Feathers Truck & Travel Center further enhances the campus’s appeal to a broad range of travelers and underscores the Tribe’s commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking development.
