Seattle City Light is committed to fostering a greener future by expanding access to electric vehicle (EV) charging within the city. This initiative directly addresses the needs of residents, particularly those in multifamily housing, and supports Seattle’s ambitious goals for reducing transportation emissions. But Where Is Seattle City investing in these EV chargers, and how can residents benefit? This article delves into the details of Seattle City Light’s public EV charging program, outlining the costs, rationale, location selection process, and how you can find these charging stations throughout the city.
Understanding the Cost of Seattle City EV Charging
Using Seattle City Light’s public EV charging network is straightforward and affordable. Drivers are charged a simple per kilowatt-hour (kWh) fee to access the charging stations. Currently, the cost is $0.21 per kWh at all City Light Level 2 chargers. To put this into perspective, one kWh provides enough energy for a typical EV to travel approximately three miles.
These user fees are carefully structured to cover a comprehensive range of expenses. They not only pay for the electricity consumed during charging but also contribute to the ongoing operations, regular maintenance, and necessary repairs of the charging infrastructure. Furthermore, these fees help to offset the initial investments made in purchasing and installing these public EV chargers, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program.
Why is Seattle City Expanding EV Charging Access?
Seattle faces a unique urban landscape where a significant portion of the population resides in multifamily dwellings. In fact, 52% of Seattle City Light’s customer base are renters, with a majority living in apartment buildings and condominiums. This high density of residents often leads to reliance on street parking near their homes. Many older housing options, including single-family homes, apartments, condos, and even houseboats, lack dedicated off-street parking like private driveways or garages. This absence of private parking spaces makes it challenging for residents to install and utilize their own EV charging solutions when parking on the street.
Recognizing this challenge, the Curbside EV charging project directly supports Seattle’s Transportation Electrification Strategic Investment Plan. This plan aims to broaden EV charging accessibility for residents in multifamily buildings who are traditionally underserved in this area. By strategically placing public chargers, Seattle City Light is working to create a more equitable access to transportation electrification, particularly for communities that are often underrepresented and underserved.
Furthermore, The City of Seattle has set an ambitious goal to reduce transportation emissions by 83% by 2030.. Achieving this significant reduction requires a multi-faceted approach. City Light actively encourages residents to embrace low-emission transportation methods such as public transit, cycling, walking, and other sustainable alternatives. However, it is also realistic to acknowledge that personal vehicles will remain a necessary mode of transport for many residents for various trips. Therefore, Seattle City Light is proactively investing in a comprehensive suite of transportation electrification initiatives and services, including these public chargers, to expand zero-emission electric transportation options throughout its service area and contribute to the city’s ambitious climate goals.
How are Seattle City EV Charger Locations Determined?
Identifying optimal locations for public EV chargers involved a comprehensive and community-driven process. In 2022, Seattle City Light initiated a public submission process to gather potential charger locations, receiving over 1,800 requests from residents and stakeholders. A dedicated panel of subject matter experts from both City Light and the Seattle Department of Transportation meticulously reviewed each request. Their evaluation was based on a range of important criteria, including the specific location, the density of requests in a particular area, the existing availability of necessary infrastructure, and the type of property surrounding the proposed location.
Once initial selections were made based on these criteria, Seattle City Light proactively engaged with property owners and homeowner associations adjacent to and across the street from each proposed EV charging site. These recipients were informed about the potential charger installations and encouraged to participate in an online survey to express their support or any concerns regarding the proposed location. This engagement process also provided a platform for residents to ask questions and provide valuable feedback, ensuring community input was a key component of the final location decisions.
Finding Operational Seattle City EV Chargers in Seattle City
Currently, Seattle City boasts 30 operational public EV charging sites readily available for public use. These locations are strategically positioned throughout the city to maximize accessibility for residents. The final charging site from this initial pilot program is anticipated to become operational before the end of 2024, further expanding the network.
To easily locate the existing and upcoming EV charging stations, Seattle City Light provides an interactive online map. This map displays the locations of all public chargers within the service area, helping EV drivers effectively plan their charging needs.
Your input is valuable as Seattle City Light continues to expand its public charging network. You can actively participate in the planning process for future public chargers in your area by suggesting new locations. Use the Suggest a new location tool to share your ideas and see locations suggested by others, contributing to the growth of EV infrastructure in Seattle City.
By strategically deploying EV chargers and focusing on accessible and affordable charging solutions, Seattle City Light is playing a crucial role in making electric vehicle adoption easier and more convenient for everyone in Seattle City, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.
