Transportation is the state’s number one source of greenhouse gas emissions and a major source of local air pollution that disproportionately impacts the health of people living near roadways, port facilities, industrial activity and railways — communities where vulnerable populations often reside.
“These populations are particularly sensitive to transportation pollution due to health, economic and other environmental factors. To meet emission reduction limits, vehicles will need to operate on renewable fuels, such as biofuels, electricity and hydrogen, and communities must reduce miles traveled, as well as increase transit, cycling and walking.”
Washington 2021 State Energy Strategy
News and funding updates
Programs
Electric Vehicles
Electric Vehicle Coordinating Council (EVCC)
Transportation Electrification Strategy (TES)
Resources
Community resources
Washington governments are working to become Plug-in Electric Vehicle ready by planning and building a charging infrastructure. Cities and counties are leading the way by investing in electric vehicle infrastructure and are adding electric vehicles to their vehicle mix.
Along the west coast we are building an electric highway system. It provides places to charge plug-in vehicles, allowing longer-range trips. In Washington state, DC fast and Level 2 “medium speed” charging equipment have been installed along Interstate 5, eastward along Interstate 90, and US Highway 2. Drivers of plug-in electric vehicles are able to travel seamlessly from British Columbia to Oregon, and from the Puget Sound Region to North-Central Washington. Washington’s I-5 electric highway links up with efforts in Oregon and California making an all-electric trip from Canada to Mexico possible.
For the latest on charging station development, visit the West Coast Green Highway website.
State law requires cities and counties to review development regulations to ensure they have a mechanism to allow electric vehicle charging stations.
- Electric Vehicles and Economic Opportunity (PowerPoint)
- Planning for Electric Vehicles – Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington
- Western Washington Clean Cities Coalition
- Demand for EVSE by residents with no off-street parking – Seattle (PDF)
- State Agency EV-EVSE Guide (PDF)
- PEV Dialogue Group
- An Action Plan to Integrate Plug-In EVs with US Electrical Grid
- NERC study of Oregon EV Industry 2013 (PDF)
- PEV Task Force Report 2013 (PDF)
- White Paper: Social Cost of Carbon (PDF)
- WA State DOT Hybrid Vehicle & Alt Fuel Reports
- Auto Alliance ZEV sales
- Plug In Electric Vehicle Registrations in Washington by County (PDF)
Statewide Initiatives
- Electric Fleets Initiative (PDF)
- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Pilot Program
- Executive Order 20-01 (PDF)
- West Coast Green Highway
- Volkswagen Settlement Funds
Information for Consumers
- Why Go Plug-in?
- US Department of Energy EV Guide
- Fueleconomy.gov EV Page (with model comparisons)
- Federal Financial Incentives
- State Financial Incentives
- EV Selection Guide (Forth) (Plug In America)
- Find a Charging Station