NEWPORT, Wash. – Newport Community Hospital’s recent parking lot expansion includes 5 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, thanks to a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) grant and collaboration with EVCS, one of the largest electric vehicle fast-charging networks on the West Coast. The installation features four dual-port Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) and one Level 2 charger.

“The opportunity to get these stations at no cost to us was perfect timing, as we already planned to expand our parking lot,” NHHS CEO Kim Manus said. “We’re growing and expanding the ways we provide exceptional, quality care to our community. It’s a win-win to be able to serve both our community and our infrastructural needs.” 

In 2024, Newport Hospital and Health Services (NHHS) was approached for inclusion in the statewide EV charging project along State Route 20. The project was made possible through a public–private collaboration, including support from the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Partnership (ZEVIP) program.

“Expanding fast charging along the entirety of State Route 20 brings Washington closer to our goal of making driving electric accessible to all,” adds Kara Symonds, WSDOT’s ZEVIP Program Lead. “We’re proud to have Newport Community Hospital as a station host in our program. This strategic location serves the greater community and regional travelers along SR-20, Washington’s longest state route.”

The Newport Community Hospital location is one of seven sites on the State Route 20 East project under EVCS’s prime contractor, Energy Northwest, a public power joint operating agency that develops and manages clean energy projects across Washington state. In total, EVCS and Energy Northwest are building ten charging sites: seven on the East Corridor, including Newport, and three on the West Corridor. Together, these sites will span the full 436-mile length of State Route 20 from Anacortes on the Puget Sound to the Idaho border. The Newport Community Hospital campus lies within the last mile of the East Corridor, making it an ideal anchor location and the only hospital in Washington to participate in the State Route 20 program.

The EVCS project included establishing robust electrical infrastructure, including a new transformer, purchasing and installing new chargers, providing signage, and covering the cost of the electricity for the next 10 years. Additionally, EVCS will convert the existing fast chargers to the NACS (North American Charging Standard) when the technology is more readily available. EVCS owns and operates the chargers under a lease agreement with the hospital district.

With over 400 employees working in the District, hospital spokesperson Jenny Smith noted a growing proportion of employees with electric vehicles. 

“Currently, if an employee needs to charge an EV, they try to utilize the spaces at the PUD,” she said. “This addition provides a convenience to our staff, visitors, and community.”

“NHHS’s portion of the parking lot improvement project is expected to cost $320,000,” said Aron Hutchison, director of plant operations. “This includes repaving lots A and B, five new parking lights, engineered plans, retaining walls, and striping. In addition to the charging stations, EVCS picked up the cost of three additional parking lights.”

The project’s success relied on seamless communication and timing with all players involved. The City of Newport, Pend Oreille County Public Utility District (PUD), EVCS, and NHHS worked together to complete the complex project. 

“We are especially grateful for the incredible collaboration with the PUD’s Utility Services Designer Lauren Naccarato and their engineering team,” Smith added. 

EVCS leadership emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in expanding rural charging infrastructure. “We are proud to partner with Newport Hospital and Health Services to bring reliable fast charging to such an important community anchor,” said Gustavo Occhiuzzo, CEO and Founder of EVCS. “This project is a great example of how hospitals, utilities, and charging operators can work together to build the infrastructure needed to make EV adoption possible in rural communities.”

‍

‍

‍

About Newport Hospital and Health Services

Newport Hospital and Health Services is owned and operated by Pend Oreille County Public Hospital District #1 and was originally established in 1921. Located in Newport, Wash., the District is dedicated to serving the community with integrity and exceptional quality care. Newport Hospital and Health Services employs 32 providers to cover health needs for primary care, express care, behavioral health, obstetrics, emergency services, anesthesia, wound care, pharmacy, and surgery (general, orthopedic, podiatric, and gynecological). NHHS offers visiting specialty clinics (dermatology, cardiology, nephrology, etc.), outpatient services including full-service diagnostic imaging, laboratory, pathology, and rehabilitative therapies. NHHS also offers same-day surgical services and has a fully staffed medical acute care unit. A complete list of services is available at www.newporthospitalandhealth.org.

‍

About EVCS

EVCS was founded in 2018 and has quickly become the largest privately held, electric vehicle fast charging network on the West Coast, home to 50% of the EVs in the U.S. EVCS is committed to leading the electric transportation revolution by rapidly expanding access to fast, affordable, reliable, and conveniently located public EV charging. Powered by 100% renewable energy, EVCS is disrupting the mobility industry through a turn-key approach that utilizes public and private funding sources to accelerate the installation of fast charging stations. EVCS has secured private and public funding to install, own, and operate over 1,500 chargers across over 300 public and private site hosts, including Fortune 500 companies and underrepresented communities.In addition, EVCS offers flexible subscription charging plans to fit a variety of driving needs. These include options tailored for gig and high-mileage drivers, providing significant potential savings. For more information, visit www.evcs.com.

‍

Newport Hospital & Health Services

Contact: Jenny Smith, Public Information Officer

Daytime:  509-447-6303   Email:  jenny.smith@nhhsqualitycare.org

‍

‍