April 2, 2024

Washington Electric Vehicle and Electrification Statistics: EV Charging Stations in Washington State

5 Min. Read

Washington has one of the highest rates of EV adoption of any state. Since the legislature decided to phase out ICE vehicle sales by 2035, Washingtonians have been embracing EVs and the many perks that come with going electric.

Washington also stands out as one of the states with the most affordable electricity rates thanks to an energy infrastructure that largely relies on hydroelectric power, a characteristic that creates a significant advantage for achieving the state’s electrification goals.

Read on for some interesting facts and statistics about electrification and EV charging stations in Washington State.

Washington Electric Vehicle and Electrification Statistics

The state of Washington currently counts over 100,000 EV registrations, and this number is growing quickly.

In fact, combined sales of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles represented an impressive 20% of new vehicle sales during 2023 according to research by the Electric Power Research Institute.

Besides taking advantage of federal and state incentives and policies that are helping to shape EV adoption, Washingtonians benefit from a program that waives sales taxes on EV purchases. Washington has the third-highest gas prices of any state, so going electric is an appealing financial decision for many.

Of course, EV adoption is higher in some areas. Wahkiakum County boasts some of the highest concentrations of EVs in the country, with 688 annual miles traveled by EV per 1,000 residents.

As an EV owner, you can take advantage of over 2,000 public EV charging stations in Washington State. More locations will soon become available as the state works on deploying an additional 5,000 charging stations, emphasizing the I-5 corridor and low-income communities.

Electric Vehicle Charging Costs in Washington

The cost of using EV charging stations in Washington State varies based on several factors. Level 2 at-home EV charging remains the most affordable option, while using a DC Fast Charging station from a third-party charging network would likely cost the most.

How Much Do Public EV Charging Stations in Washington State Cost?

With hundreds of free EV charging stations in Washington State offered through municipal programs, public charging can be very affordable.

However, a majority of public stations use a per kWh billing model. For instance, Seattle and Tacoma offer Level 2 curbside charging for $0.21 per kWh, while the city of Bellingham charges $0.25 per kWh with additional fees for occupying the spot after charging.

How Much Does At-Home EV Charging Cost in Washington?

Hydroelectric grid-scale projects account for 67% of the state’s energy production, contributing to a green electricity infrastructure and affordable energy rates. As a Washington resident, your electricity bill should be one of the lowest in the nation, with an average rate of $0.11 per kWh.

According to Motortrend, a full EV charge can range between $5 and $10 in Washington. However, it’s possible to charge at home for even less if your utility provider offers a Time-of-Use program with a lower rate for charging during off-peak hours.

How Much Does Installing an At-Home EV Charger Cost?

Home charger installation costs vary based on several factors, including the make and model of the charger and any potential electric upgrades required. Typically, living in an older home that might require a panel upgrade or other electric modifications will increase the cost.

On average, you can expect to spend between $800 and $2,000 for this electrification project on average, but you can significantly reduce this cost by taking advantage of rebates offered through your utility provider. For instance, Tacoma Public Utility provides a $400 rebate as a bill credit, and Clark Public Utilities offers $500 for installing an Energy Star charger.

Are There Any Free Public EV Charging Stations in Washington State?

You can find free EV charging stations in Washington State in several cities. Seattle has nearly 700 free charging stations, and you’ll find around 250 free locations in Bellevue. Spokane has approximately 120 free charging stations.

When traveling between cities, you can look for free EV charging stations at rest areas on I-5, U.S. Route 2, and some parts of I-90.

Where Can You Find Public EV Charging Stations in Washington State?

Access to EV charging stations in Washington State follows a similar geographic pattern to EV ownership, with a higher concentration west of the Cascade Range.

You’ll find curbside EV charging in major cities like Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma, including light pole chargers in Seattle. Parking facilities, malls, and other businesses also offer charging options.

You can expect to find chargers along I-5 between Seattle and Portland. Some parts of I-90 and I-82 also have conveniently located chargers, and U.S. Route 101 along the West Coast is emerging as an EV-friendly corridor.

How Much Electricity Is Needed to Charge an Electric Vehicle Every Day in Washington?

The electricity needed to charge your EV depends on the vehicle’s performance and your driving habits.

The average Seattle household drives 30,235 miles per year, and most EVs have a range of three to four miles per kWh, which translates to using 20 to 27 kWh a day to drive around 83 miles.

However, with its many hills and bodies of water, the Puget Sound area is known for its slow urban traffic, a factor that will help you take advantage of regenerative braking to charge your EV battery as you drive and reduce your energy consumption.

Maximize EV Charging With Electrification

The state of Washington has adopted whole-home electrification measures as part of the state’s plan to cut emissions. As a Washingtonian, you can qualify for rebates on heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction cooking appliances, electric panel upgrades, and more.

Thanks to a state program that waives sales taxes on the materials, you can also save on residential solar to further maximize your EV experience and savings. This incentive will also apply if you are installing a battery storage system connected to your solar array.

Investing in solar and energy storage can make you more independent from the grid and give you more control over charging costs, especially as more utilities adopt TOU programs.

Get Started On Your Electrification Journey With Qmerit

Washington is one of the top states for EV adoption thanks to its affordable energy rates, appealing incentives, and efforts to develop a reliable charging infrastructure.

Even though the state plans to add over 5,000 charging points in the near future, at-home charging remains a convenient option with 24/7 access and low energy rates.

Qmerit can help you plan for an energy-resilient future with our at-home Level 2 EV charging station installation services. As the largest and most trusted network of certified EV charging station installers in North America, Qmerit’s network has helped over 450,000 businesses and homeowners go electric with safe and convenient EV charging.

Contact us today to learn more and prepare for installing your EV charging station in Washington State.