Washington Incentives and Laws for EVs

The list below contains summaries of all Washington incentives and laws related to EVs.

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Tax Exemption

New passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles that are dedicated AFVs are exempt from the state motor vehicle sales and use taxes. Qualified vehicles must operate exclusively on natural gas, propane, hydrogen, or electricity, meet the California motor vehicle emissions standards, and comply with the rules of the Washington Department of Ecology. This exemption also applies to qualified used vehicles that are modified with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certified aftermarket conversion, as long as the vehicle is being sold for the first time after modification. The converted vehicle must be part of a fleet of at least five vehicles owned by the same person and have an odometer reading of less than 30,000 miles. This tax exemption expires July 1, 2015. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 82.08.809 and 82.12.809)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery and Infrastructure Tax Exemptions

Public lands used for installing, maintaining, and operating EV infrastructure are exempt from leasehold excise taxes until January 1, 2020. Additionally, the state sales and use taxes do not apply to EV batteries; labor and services for installing, repairing, altering, or improving EV batteries and EV infrastructure; and the sale of property used for EV infrastructure. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 82.29A.125, 82.08.816, and 82.12.816)

Alternative Fuel Loans and Grants

The Washington Department of Commerce administers the Energy Freedom Program (Program) in consultation with other state agencies. The Program includes the Energy Freedom Account, which provides financial and technical assistance for bioenergy production, research, and market development, primarily in the form of loans used to convert farm products, organic wastes, cellulose and biogas into electricity, biofuel, and related co-products. The Program also includes the Green Energy Incentive Account, which provides financial assistance for alternative fueling infrastructure along Interstate corridors. As of March 2011, funds have yet to be appropriated for these accounts, which are set to expire after June 30, 2016. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 43.325)

Electric Vehicle (EV) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Demonstration Grants

The Washington Department of Commerce administers the Vehicle Electrification Demonstration Grant Program, part of the Energy Freedom Program. Eligible applicants are state agencies, public school districts, public utility districts, or political subdivisions of the state. Grants may be awarded for projects involving the purchase or conversion of existing vehicles to PHEVs or EVs for use in an applicant's fleet or operations; additional eligibility requirements apply. As of March 2011, funding is not available. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 43.325.110)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Project Funding

The Washington Departments of Commerce and Transportation are partnering to fund the installation of qualified EV charging infrastructure along the I-5 and US 2 corridors. Competitive funding is available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. For more information see the Electric Highways Project website.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Emissions Inspection Exemption

Electric, compressed natural gas, and propane vehicles are exempt from state emissions control inspections. HEVs that obtain a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy rating of at least 50 miles per gallon during city driving are also exempt from these inspections. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 46.16.015)

Utility/Private Incentives

Clean and Efficient Fleet Assistance

The Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition, in partnership with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, offers the Evergreen Fleets program, a comprehensive greening plan and certification system for fleets. Evergreen Fleets provides fleet managers with tools to help "green" public and private fleets, reduce pollution, and save money. Evergreen Fleets provides a step-by-step guide to identify the most effective way for fleet managers to green their fleets, including buying greener vehicles, switching to cleaner fuels, or improving fleet efficiency.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Incentive - Coulomb Technologies

Coulomb Technologies' ChargePoint America program offers EVSE at no cost to individuals or entities in the Bellevue and Redmond metropolitan areas, excluding Seattle. To be eligible for a public or commercial charging system, an entity must be located within the Bellevue and Redmond metropolitan areas, in defined potentially "high use" areas, and provide public access to the charging system. Companies and municipalities may apply on the ChargePoint America website. To be eligible for free home charging stations, individuals living within the specified areas must purchase a qualified electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Individuals purchasing an eligible EV or PHEV should apply for the ChargePoint America program at the dealership or with the vehicle manufacturer at the time of vehicle purchase. In most cases, the EVSE owner will pay for the installation; some cities, states, and utilities, however, will provide funding towards installation costs. All participants in the ChargePoint America program must agree to anonymous data collection after installation. Additional restrictions may apply.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Incentive - ECOtality

Through the EV Project, ECOtality offers EVSE at no cost to individuals in the Seattle metropolitan area. To be eligible for free home charging stations, individuals living within the specified areas must purchase a qualified electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Individuals purchasing an eligible EV or PHEV should apply at the dealership at the time of vehicle purchase. The EV Project incentive program will also cover most, if not all, of the costs of EVSE installation. All participants in the EV Project incentive program must agree to anonymous data collection after installation. Additional restrictions may apply.

Laws and Regulations

Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Development

Any regional transportation planning organization containing a county with a population greater than one million must collaborate with state and local governments to promote EV use, invest in EV infrastructure, and seek federal or private funding for these efforts. Collaborative planning efforts may include: 1) developing short- and long-term plans outlining how state, regional, and local governments may construct EV charging locations and ensure that the infrastructure can be electrically supported; 2) supporting public education and training programs on EVs; 3) developing an implementation plan for counties with a population greater than 500,000 to have 10% of public and private parking spaces ready for EV charging by December 31, 2018; and 4) developing model ordinances and guidance for local governments for site assessment and installing EV infrastructure. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 47.80.090)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Availability

Recognizing that it is in the state's interest and to the benefit of the public to encourage the use of EVs to reduce emissions and improve air quality, publicly and privately owned EVs may be charged at state office locations where 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 state's fleet parking and maintenance facilities as well as every state-operated highway rest stop by December 31, 2015. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 43.01.250, 43.19.648, and 47.38.075)

Local Government Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging 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. This regulation applies to jurisdictions that meet specific location criteria. 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 is contingent upon federal funding. Additionally, cities or municipalities may adopt incentive programs to encourage retrofitting of existing structures capable of charging EVs. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 35.63.126-35.63.127, 35A.63.107, 36.70.695, and 36.70A.695)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging and Battery Exchange Station Regulations

State and local governments may lease land for installing, maintaining, and operating EV charging stations or battery exchange stations for up to 50 years. Additionally, the installation of battery charging and exchange stations is categorically exempt from the Washington Environmental Policy Act. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 79.13.100 and 43.21C.410)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Definitions

EV infrastructure is defined as structures, machinery, and equipment necessary and integral to support an EV, including battery charging stations, rapid charging stations, and battery exchange stations. A battery charging station is defined as an electrical component assembly or cluster of component assemblies designed specifically to charge batteries within an EV. A rapid charging station is defined as an industrial grade electrical outlet that allows for faster recharging of EV batteries through higher power levels. A battery exchange station is defined as a fully automated facility that will enable an EV with a swappable battery to enter a drive lane and exchange the depleted battery with a fully charged battery through a fully automated process. Infrastructure must meet or exceed any applicable state building standards, codes, and regulations. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 19.27.540 and 19.28)

Provision for Alternative Fuels Corridor Pilot Projects

The Washington Department of Transportation may enter into partnership agreements with other public and private entities to use land for alternative fuel corridor pilot projects. Minimum requirements apply and these agreements are subject to funding availability. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 47.38.070)

State Agency Coordination to Address Climate Change

The Washington Department of Ecology worked with the Washington Departments of Commerce and Transportation to assess whether California's low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) or other state standards would help Washington meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 1990 levels by 2020. See the Department of Ecology's LCFS website for information about the assessment.

The Department of Transportation must work in consultation with the Departments of Ecology and Commerce and other interest groups to address low or zero emission vehicles. Additionally, the Office of the Governor will work with state agencies to seek funding to implement a project for the electrification of the West Coast interstate highway and associated metropolitan centers and to purchase electric vehicles and install public fueling and/or charging infrastructure for electric and other high-efficiency, zero, or low carbon vehicles.

(Reference Executive Order 09-05, 2009)

Alternative Fuel Use Requirement

Effective June 1, 2015, all state and local government agencies must use 100% biofuels or electricity to operate all publicly owned vehicles. To phase in this requirement, all state agencies must achieve 40% biofuel or electricity use by June 1, 2013. To allow the motor vehicle fuel needs of state and local government to be satisfied by Washington-produced biofuels, the Washington Department of General Administration and local governments may contract in advance and execute contracts with public or private producers and suppliers for the purchase of appropriate biofuels. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 43.19.647-43.19.648)

Clean Fuel Vehicle Purchasing Requirement

At least 30% of all new vehicles purchased through a state contract must be clean fuel vehicles, based on the Washington Department of Ecology definitions. The percentage of clean fuel vehicles purchased must increase at the rate of 5% each year. Dedicated clean fuel vehicles are preferred. In the event that dedicated clean fuel vehicles are not available or would not meet operation requirements, conventionally powered vehicles may be converted to operate on clean fuel or dual-fuel use. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 43.19.637)

Low Carbon Fuel and Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Acquisition Requirement

Washington state agencies must consider purchasing ultra low carbon fuel vehicles or converting conventional vehicles to use ultra low carbon fuels when financially comparable over the vehicle's useful life. Ultra low carbon fuels include hydrogen, biomethane, electricity, or at least 90% natural gas. State agencies must phase in fuel economy standards for motor pools and leased conventional vehicles to achieve an average fuel economy of 36 miles per gallon for passenger vehicle fleets by 2015. State agencies must purchase ultra low carbon fuel vehicles or, when purchasing new conventional vehicles, achieve an average fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon (mpg) for light-duty passenger vehicles and 27 mpg for light-duty vans and sport utility vehicles. When calculating average fuel economy, emergency response vehicles, passenger vans with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or greater, off-road vehicles, ultra low carbon fuel vehicles, and vehicles driven less than 2,000 miles per year are excluded. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 43.41.130)

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