Washington State Department of Commerce allocates $85 million for electric vehicle charging expansion

The Washington State Department of Commerce, a Green Marine supporter, announced the distribution of over $85 million in grants to facilitate the installation of nearly 5,000 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Washington state. These grants, directed towards nonprofits, electric utilities, tribes, and public agencies, aim to enhance accessibility to EV charging infrastructure, with a particular focus on communities most impacted by fossil fuel pollution.

This initiative marks the first phase of investments through the Washington State Electric Vehicle Charging Program, supported by the Climate Commitment Act, aimed at reducing transportation emissions and promoting equitable access to EV charging.

The awarded grants will support various types of installations, including those in multi-family properties, fleets, workplaces, and public locations. These installations will include both Level 2 chargers, suitable for destination and overnight charging, and DC fast chargers, primarily used for rapid charging along travel corridors. Funding allocation was based on a competitive scoring system, prioritizing areas with high pollution levels and limited existing charging infrastructure.

Commerce will soon open applications for additional funding to support community decarbonization efforts, with a focus on clean energy innovation, grid modernization, and support for low-income and tribal communities.

For more information, visit the Washington State Electric Vehicle Charging Program website.