The Difference Between Chargers
These are the types of chargers youll use while charging your car at home, work or a public charging station. Note that exact charging rates depend on both your car and the specific charger model.
Level 1 Charging
CHARGING RATE: 2-5 miles of range per hourWHERE: Home, anywhere with an outlet
This is the charging cord that comes standard with every electric car. It has a conventional three-prong plug that goes into any properly grounded standard household outlet.
Level 1 charging provides 2 to 5 miles of range per hour. In most cases, charging your car overnight with this charger will be enough to meet your needs if you have a short commute or use your electric car mostly for running errands.
Level 2 Charging
CHARGING RATE: 10-25 miles of range per hour WHERE: Home, work, public
Level 2 charging operates at 240 volts and is at least twice as fast as Level 1 charging, adding 10 to 25 miles of range per hour.
While Level 2 chargers are common at workplaces, apartment buildings and public areas, they can also be installed at single-family homes. Doing so will require the same type of wiring as an electric stove or clothes dryer and working with a professional electrician.
DC Fast Charging
CHARGING RATE: Full charge in around an hourWHERE: Public, work
You’ll find DC fast charging at public sites, often along highways or in urban locations, and workplaces. They can look like gas pumps and fully charge your electric car in an hour or so.
Support For Electric Vehicle And Infrastructure Deployment
The Washington State Department of Commerce and the Washington State Department of Transportation must establish an interagency EV coordinating council to advance transportation electrification. The Council must:
- Develop a state-wide transportation electrification strategy
- Identify electric vehicle infrastructure grant-related funding
- Coordinate grant funding criteria across agency grant programs
- Develop a robust public and private outreach plan that includes engaging with community organizers and local governments
- Create an industry EV advisory committee
- Ensure the new strategies and programs benefit underserved communities and,
- Provide an annual report to legislature committees summarizing EV implementation progress, gaps, and resource needs.
Welcome To The Electric Drive Washington Website
Electric vehicles continue to make inroads in reducing our dependence on traditional fuel sources and reducing our carbon footprint in Washington State.
Transportation is Washington States largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and it emits other major pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. The continued progress of electric vehicle technology, coupled with the states abundance of economical, zero-emission electricity, provides an opportunity to reduce transportation emissions through electrification. Plus, electrifying transportation increases the efficiency of our electricity grid, keeps more money in-state, lowers driving costs, and spurs local innovation and business development.
Washington State has a goal of registering 50,000 plug-in electric vehicles by 2020. Government agencies are taking the lead through the Electric Fleets Initiative and Executive Order 18-01 on State Efficiency and Environmental Performance. The Department of Commerce engages a broad range of stakeholders to develop policies and tools to usher in this new era of more sustainable transportation.
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Find Out What’s Happening In Seattlewith Free Real
Washington has also built in tax breaks for electric vehicle purchases, so buyers can write off up to $20,000 off a new electric vehicle’s price.
Washington also recently netted a $10.4 million investment to create more electric vehicle charging stations across the state, making charging easier than ever. The investment comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, a program that will spend $5 billion over five years to create a nationwide network of electric vehicle charging stations.
Paying For Your Charge

You may need a key fob or RFID card to operate the charging stations and prices may vary depending on the equipment vendor. Some locations charge by the time connected to the station, others may charge a flat fee per use, and others will offer monthly subscription services for unlimited use. Most locations will have a toll free phone number posted on the equipment so you can call and get a guest charge with a credit card. For current pricing and subscription information, please contact the charging station vendors.
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Mandatory Electric Vehicle Charging Station Building Standards
At least one parking space, or 10% of parking spaces rounded to the next whole number, must be made-ready for Level 2 EV charging stations at all new buildings. Electrical capacity must accommodate the potential to serve a minimum of 20% of the total parking spaces with Level 2 EV charging stations. For assembly, education, or mercantile buildings, the requirements apply only to employee parking spaces. Buildings classified as utility or miscellaneous and some residential buildings are exempt from these requirements. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Electric Vehicle Charging Regulation Exemption
An entity that offers electric vehicle supply equipment to the public for hire may not have their rates, services, facilities or practices regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission . The exemption does not apply if the entity is otherwise subject to Commission jurisdiction as an electrical company, or if an entity’s battery charging facilities and services are subsidized by any regulated service. A utility may offer battery charging facilities as a regulated service, subject to Commission approval.
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Electric Transportation Transition Study
The Joint Transportation Committee must study opportunities for high-consumption fuel users to adopt electric vehicles and make recommendations to the Committees and governor by July 1, 2023. The Committee must investigate and determine the following:
- Number of users that could utilize EVs for a high percentage of their driving needs
- Fuel savings and gallons of fuel displaced if users switch to EVs
- User attitudes and perceptions of EVs and,
- Policies and messages that encourage EV adoption.
Zero Emission Vehicle Carshare Grant
The Zero-emissions Access Program , administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation , offers grants to nonprofit organizations and local governments to design and create a ZEV carshare program in underserved and low-to moderate-income communities. Grant awards may range from $50,000 to $200,000. Eligible projects include:
- Contract, lease, or purchase of ZEV
- Construction or installation of correlated charging station or refueling infrastructure and,
- Operational costs to develop, implement, and manage a car share program.
Applicants must provide matching funds as direct contributions or gifts-in-kind for at least 10% of the total cost of the project. Additional eligibility requirements may apply. For more information, including eligible communities and program dates, see the WSDOT ZEV Grants website.
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Finding A Charging Station
Look for this symbol along the highway to find electric vehicle fast-charging stations. Learn more about EV signs.
You can also use your in-car navigation system such as carwings or a mobile app for your iPhone and Android to find charging stations:
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebates Tacoma Public Utility
TPU offers rebates for the installation of Level 2 EV charging stations at multifamily dwellings and businesses located in the City of Tacoma. Rebate amounts for the first two EV charging station ports are available in the following amounts:
Applicant Type | |
---|---|
80% of project costs, up to $16,000 | 100% of project costs, up to $20,000 |
A rebate of up to $2,000 is available for every additional EV charging station port installed. Applicants may also receive a rebate for 100% of utility infrastructure upgrade costs, up to $25,000, to increase grid reliability. For more information, including funding terms and waitlist availability, see the TPU Public Electric Vehicle Charging and Multifamily Dwelling EV Charging websites.
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State Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Availability
Publicly and privately owned EVs may charge at state office locations if the vehicles are used for state business, conducting business with the state, or as commuter vehicles. Additionally, contingent upon funding, the state must install electrical outlets suitable for charging EVs in each of the stateâs fleet parking and maintenance facilities as well as every state-operated highway rest stop. The Washington Department of Enterprise Services may report to the governor and the legislature on the amount of electricity consumed and the number of EVs using state-owned charging equipment if it represents a significant cost to the state.
Local Government Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Requirements

Jurisdictions must develop regulations to allow the use of EV infrastructure and battery charging stations in all areas except critical areas or areas zoned for residential or resource use. The Washington Department of Commerce included a model ordinance, development regulations, and guidance for local governments for site assessment and installing EV infrastructure in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: A Guide for Local Governments in Washington State. This requirement applies to jurisdictions that meet specific location criteria and is contingent upon federal funding. Additionally, cities or municipalities may adopt incentive programs to encourage retrofitting of existing structures capable of charging EVs.
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Electric Vehicle Charging Station Community Grant Program Authorization
The Washington State Department of Transportation is authorized to establish a grant program for by local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, or utilities to deploy EV charging stations in rural areas, office buildings, multi-unit dwellings, ports, schools and school districts, and state and local government offices. Preference will be given to direct current fast charging projects.
Ev Connect Is An Approved Vendor
EV Connect is the leading platform for managing electricity as a fuel, bringing convenient and reliable EV charging to businesses everywhere. Along with providing innovative EV charging management software, EV Connect will help you choose the right charging stations and installation services, backed by parts and service warranties to ensure worry-free deployment from installation to operations. As an approved vendor of the Washington Electric Mobility Grants, EV Connect is your one-stop shop for charging stations, software, 24/7 support, and parts and labor warranty – Let us do all the work.
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Washington State Approves Law Regarding Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The new law requires community associations to generally promote, encourage, and remove obstacles to the installation and use of electric vehicle charging stations. However, it also permits community associations to impose reasonable restrictions on those stations. For example, community associations mayrequire a unit owner to submit an application for approval for the installationof an electric vehicle charging station in the samemanner as an application for approval of an architectural modification.
The new law concerning electric vehicle charging stations will take effect on June 9. 2022. Washington state community associations should consider contacting an attorney regarding its contents and application.
Easy And Convenient Charging Locations
Electric vehicle drivers can now grab a cup of coffee or shop while charge up their vehicles at shopping centers, fueling stations and restaurants within a half mile of highway interchanges. The fast charge technology allows drivers to re-charge mass-produced all-electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf in under 30 minutes. Each location also includes Level 2 equipment to re-charge most plug in electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt. Most original charging sites have CHAdeMo equipment compatible with fast charging Japanese cars such as the Nissan Leaf and Kia Soul. Newer sites also include Combo Charging System fast charging equipment compatible with American and European cars such as the BMW i3 and the Chevrolet Bolt.
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Payment Plans & Bill Assistance
Seattle City Light knows the COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder for some of our customers to afford essential electricity services. We’re here to help. City Light has flexible payment plans available to all customers. For income-eligible residential customers, we have bill assistance programs available, including the Utility Discount Program and emergency bill assistance.
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- Pay your electricity bill, manage your account, and find ways to save money and protect the environment.
- Understand your electricity bill, options for paying your bill and payment assistance programs.
- Seattle City Light helps homeowners and renters save energy, money, and the environment with innovative programs and ideas.
- Start or stop electricity service for your home or business.
- Manage your accounts and find energy solutions for your business.
Commercial Alternative Fuel Vehicle And Fueling Infrastructure Tax Credit
Businesses are eligible to receive tax credits for purchasing new or used medium- and heavy-duty AFVs and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles converted to alternative fuels, and installing alternative fueling infrastructure. Eligible alternative fuels are natural gas, propane, hydrogen, dimethyl ether, and electricity. Tax credits for qualified alternative fueling infrastructure are for up to 50% of the cost to purchase and install the infrastructure. New commercial vehicle tax credit amounts vary based on gross vehicle weight rating and are up to 75% of the incremental cost, with maximum credit values as follows:
GVWR | |
---|---|
Over 26,500 lbs. | $100,000 |
Leased AFVs may receive a tax credit for 75% cost, up to $25,000 per vehicle. This exemption also applies to qualified used vehicles modified with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-certified aftermarket conversion, if the vehicle is being sold for the first time after modification. Modified vehicles are eligible for credits equal to 50% of the commercial vehicle conversion cost, up to $25,000.
Each entity may claim up to $250,000 or credits for 25 vehicles per year. All credits earned must be used in that calendar year or the subsequent year. Tax credits are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to annual limits of $2 million for vehicle credits, and $6 million for infrastructure.
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General Ev Charging Information
The city of Seattle in Washington, Ãtats-Unis, has 724 public charging station ports within 15km. 93% of the ports are level 2 charging ports and 41% of the ports offer free charges for your electric car.
Seattle, also known as Emerald City, is a port city where activities are never lacking in its dynamic downtown. As it borders the Pacific Ocean, 90% of their electricity is derived from hydropower, putting mass electrification of transportation and the development of the charging infrastructure on the agenda.
Downtown has a strong concentration of level 2 charging stations and level 3 charging stations within a radius of 10 miles. Some of these are found in the neighbouring Capitol Hill at Harvard Market and REO flats. Moreover, the city of Seattle has launched a program for the year 2017 where they will add 20 fast charging stations to its charging infrastructure.
When you visit Seattle , itâs essential to make your way to the Pike Place Market, century-old market since 1907 in Seattleâs port, only a few steps away from the cityâs museums and touristic hubs. Locate the first Starbucks that was ever founded in the Soames-Dunn building, vintage hats and the smell of fresh fish emanating from the market stalls and restaurants. Thatâs right, seafood lovers will be happy to relish in the catches of the day â salmon, halibut, tuna, crab, shrimp, oysters, mussels and much more!
How Are Washingtons Weather And Terrain

Lithium ion battery degradation is an unfortunate fact. A battery will lose some capacity and power with time even if itâs not used, but external factors such as temperature and charging behaviour greatly affect the rate of degradation. In terms of an EV battery, driving style and terrain will also have an effect on longevity. The basic rules of thumb are that batteries like the same temperatures that people do: around 75 degrees. When itâs very cold, a driver will experience short term range loss, but no damage to the battery. When itâs very hot, however, an EV will have both short term range loss and potential long term damage.
Washington State has seen temperatures range from 118 degrees F in 1961 to -48 degrees F in 1968, but statewide averages tend to hover between 84 and 20 degrees F – neither of which is too far outside the range of EV comfort. Luckily, the highest population density in Washington state happens to be in a fairly temperate climate along the western edge. If youâre in a part of the state that sees very hot weather, itâs a good idea to keep your car out of direct sun in the summer and in a garage if possible. In terms of winter lows, there is no long term concern, but be aware that you might get less range and charge more slowly. You can read more about the effects of temperature on battery health.
Cheap and Clean Electricity
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Which Washington Counties Will Have The Most Evs And Need The Most Commercial Chargers
If youve stepped outside in the past couple months, chances are youve felt like a melting scoop of ice cream more than any other summer. Well, it is no coincidence that the global land-only surface temperature for June 2021 was the highest on record according to NOAAs National Centers for Environmental Information.¹ These extreme temperatures are happening due to the increase in greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, which is also known as climate change.
So, what is the solution?
This problem is very complex and does not have a one-size-fits-all solution however, reducing and eventually eliminating the greenhouse gas emissions caused by fossil fuel powered vehicles would benefit the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , greenhouse gas emissions from transportation account for about 29 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest contributor of U.S. GHG emissions.²
In light of this, climate change has become an increasingly pressing concern among officials in the United States and around the world over the past several years. Currently, in the United States, President Joe Biden and his administration are working on passing a bipartisan infrastructure deal that would prioritize actions such as:
Data
Defining areas
Which counties did this analysis include?
What did the data look like at this stage?
Modeling
So, which county will have the most EVs?
More Data!