Seattle Launches Public Application for 200 New Curbside EV Chargers

Key points

• Seattle City Light and the Seattle Department of Transportation are expanding the curbside charging network to include up to 200 new Level 2 stations by 2030.
• Residents can submit applications for charger locations through the Seattle City Light portal until fall 2027, after which sites will be selected in batches of 40 to 50.
• The expansion is funded by approximately $21 million from the $1.55 billion Seattle Transportation Levy approved in 2024, with an additional $2 million from Seattle City Light.
• The program prioritizes neighborhoods with multifamily housing, high pollution levels, and underinvestment, using a 'walk score' metric to ensure proximity to amenities.
• A previous pilot program installed 58 chargers at 31 locations, which recorded 45,000 charging sessions and over 1 million kWh of electricity usage in the last year.

Background

This expansion follows a successful pilot program launched in 2023-2024 that deployed 58 chargers across 31 locations. The initiative addresses the challenge faced by EV owners in Seattle, where over half of homes are apartments or condominiums without private off-street parking. The city has set a target to reduce transport emissions by 83% by 2030, making accessible charging infrastructure a key component of its sustainability strategy.

How outlets are covering it

While InsideEVs and Electrek emphasize the convenience for apartment dwellers and the public application process, The Daily Chronicle highlights the financial sustainability of the program. According to The Daily Chronicle, the initial $3 million pilot cost may take over 14 years to recover through charging fees, raising questions about the long-term fiscal impact of the $21 million expansion. ElectricDrives notes the environmental goals, linking the chargers to the city’s emission reduction targets. All sources agree on the timeline, with installations beginning in fall 2027 and concluding by 2030, and the pricing structure of $0.21 per kilowatt-hour.

Why it matters

The expansion of curbside EV charging infrastructure is critical for cities with high rates of multifamily housing, as it removes a major barrier to EV adoption. By making charging accessible near homes, Seattle aims to increase EV usage, reduce reliance on costly DC fast chargers, and meet its ambitious emission reduction goals. The public application process also ensures that charging infrastructure is distributed equitably, prioritizing underserved and high-pollution neighborhoods.

What to watch

Seattle will review applications and select charger locations in batches starting in early 2027. Design and permitting will begin in spring 2027, with active construction starting in fall 2027. All 200 chargers are expected to be operational by 2030. Seattle City Light is also gathering data on revenue collection to assess the program’s financial viability and potential need for future infrastructure replacements.