Oregon InC Takes Proto4 for a Spin in Downtown Portland

One way to beat the heat in 90 degree Portland weather is to drive Proto4 around downtown all afternoon. We've found that the absence of a windshield negates the need for air conditioning. We made the 100-mile trip north Monday morning after receiving the following text from Mark at 6pm Sunday evening: "We are going to Portland tomorrow."

The occasion, we discovered after we pressed Mark for a few minor details, was the full council meeting of Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC). Out of the 20 new industry proposals put forth to the council, only Drive Oregon's was advanced yesterday to be included in Oregon InC's 2011-2013 biennium. The proposal seeks funding to establish Oregon as a world leader in EV manufacture and infrastructure.

Arcimoto President and Founder Mark Frohnmayer was present representing Drive Oregon and thought it only proper that at the ratification of the Drive Oregon initiative, members of Oregon InC should be offered the opportunity to drive an Oregon-made electric vehicle. So we brought one.

Members who took test drives included U.S. Department of Commerce Representative David Porter, who arrived back at our spot about 15 minutes later, explaining that he "accidentally" took a couple wrong turns. Suuure you did, David. Don't worry, we've seen more than a few 5-minute test drives turn into 15-minute test drives. Check out his "test drive grin" and others on our Facebook album.

Oregon Treasurer Ted Wheeler hopped in the driver's seat as well, and noted the many smiles, stares, thumbs up signals, and comments as he drove the 8-block circuit. His favorite comment from a random passerby was an incredulous "You can't do that!" Oh yes we can.