One of the primary objectives of the Transportation Electrification Initiative (and this survey) is to better understand how the Oregon University System (OUS) can better support the EV industry in Oregon. Our survey asked a series of questions related to potential roles for OUS; this section presents the results.
The first question in this series asked respondents to indicate what research and development projects or business services would help businesses (Figure 4-8). While respondents indicated a broad range of assistance would be beneficial, four services were identified by more than half the respondents. These include (1) commercialization of products, (2) marketing, (3) product engineering and/or design, and (4) providing competitively awarded grants and cost-sharing. Overall, the responses suggest many areas that are ripe for university/business collaboration.
Figure 4-8: What research and development projects, or business services from the Oregon University System (PSU, OSU, UO, OIT) would help you improve and expand your product line? (Q-14)
Figure 4-9 shows what political/State resources would enhance respondents’ viability and growth potential. Not surprisingly, categories of financial support were ranking highly, with nearly 80% of the respondents indicating tax incentives, over 70% indicating grants, and about 55% indicating loans. Industry advocacy was also highly ranked.
At the time this survey was being administered, the Oregon Legislature voted to eliminate the State tax credit for consumers. Oregon tax credits for converting to electric will also end at the close of the year. The tax credits for businesses purchasing electric vehicle fleets will end in Oregon at the end of this year as well.
Grants and loans, along with industry support in terms of marketing and advocacy were felt to be important state services by 72% of the respondents. Loans and State investment in infrastructure were deemed important by 56%. Answers under “other” included:
A temporary 5-year tax holiday for EV businesses and consumers with full tax deductions for EV purchases at both consumer and commercial levels.
Fund VCs, incubators and start-ups. Let the market figure out winners, not policies and politics!
One person indicated that political and State resources were not applicable to the growth of their business.
Figure 4-9: What political/state resources would enhance your viability and growth potential? (Q-14)
Source: OTREC EV Industry Needs Assessment Survey, CPW July 2011
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