The Business EV Charging Program helps organizations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, support EV adoption, and lower fleet or employee vehicle costs. We provide site and fleet assessments, application assistance, and technical guidance. City Light aims to ensure charging projects are successful from start to finish. Connect with us early in your project to ensure your project meets our eligibility guidelines and to get an incentive reservation.
Bring EV Charging to Your Business
- Reduced emissions in the communities you work in
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Increased reputation as a leader in sustainability and innovation
Charging Project Types
Fleet Electrification
Businesses that operate fleet vehicles can participate in this program to plan and accelerate their transition to electric. Ideal for companies with delivery or sales vehicles, non-road equipment, as well as municipal or commercial fleets seeking charging guidance and incentives.
Benefits of Electrifying Your Fleet
- Reduced long-term maintenance and fueling costs
- Increased community recognition for your fleet
Workplace Charging
Workplace charging is designed for businesses that want to install EV chargers for employees to charge their personal vehicles. Whether you manage a large corporate campus, operate a small or mid‑sized business, or oversee commercial properties with parking facilities, this offering will help you plan and deploy private charging solutions for your workplace.
Benefits of Installing EV Chargers at Your Workplace
- EV adoption is rapidly growing, creating new workplace needs
- Workplace chargers provide a valuable employee benefit while positioning your organization as a forward-thinking employer committed to sustainability
- 1 in 4 new vehicle registrations in our region are EVs — creating growing demand for workplace charging. Source: Washington State Department of Licensing, Vehicle Registration Data (2023-2025)
Comprehensive Advisory Services
From site assessments to fleet advisory services, our team offers free, expert guidance at every step of your charging journey. Work with us to save up to 100% of the costs for eligible charging infrastructure. Starting early ensures your project meets program requirements and locks in incentive reservation.
Get a Complimentary EV Charging Assessment
- Contact us to connect with an EV charging expert advisor.
- Review your property with an industry expert.
- Discuss personalized recommendations for EV charging solutions.
- Get help accessing City Light incentives to reduce the costs of installing EV infrastructure.
Contact the program team at businessEVcharging@seattle.gov to get started!
Get a Comprehensive Fleet Assessment
- Contact our team to review your current fleet with a trusted advisor.
- Get a complimentary customized analysis with estimated cost savings and greenhouse gas reductions.
- Discuss personalized recommendations on EVs to improve your bottom line, the community, and the environment.
- Get help with incentives and grants to reduce electrification costs.
Contact the program team at businessEVcharging@seattle.gov to get started!
EV Charger Incentives
City Light can help you save on charging solutions to power your fleet and employee commutes. We offer multiple charger incentive options and can help you select what is best for your fleet or your employees. Charging incentive amounts vary by applicant and project type.
- Tier 1 Incentives: Large businesses and nonprofits, public (government) entities located outside of overburdened communities*, and Fortune 500 companies
- Tier 2 Incentives: Small businesses and nonprofits, women- and minority-owned businesses (WMBEs), tribal entities, and entities located within overburdened communities*
*Overburdened communities are areas with a 9.0 or higher rank on the Washington State Environmental Health Disparities map.
| Project Type | Equipment Type | Tier 1 Incentive* | Tier 2 Incentive* |
| Fleet Electrification & Workplace Charging | Hardwired Level 2 Charger | 50% up to $25,000 | 100% up to $50,000 |
| Fleet Electrification & Workplace Charging | 240V Outlet Charger & Portable Chargers | 100% up to $15,000 | 100% up to $15,000 |
| Fleet Electrification | Forklift Charger | 50% up to $7,500 | 100% up to $15,000 |
| Fleet Electrification | Electric Standby Truck Refrigeration Unit | 50% up to $7,500 | 100% up to $15,000 |
| Fleet Electrification | DC Fast Charger | 50% up to $100,000 | 100% up to $200,000 |
*Incentives above are the percentage of total project cost up to a cap per site.
Fleet Electrification & Workplace Charging
Hardwired Level 2 Chargers
- Project Cap: 50% of total project costs, up to $25,000 per site
- Minimum Output Power: 6.6 kW
240V Outlet & Portable Chargers
- Project Cap: 100% of total project costs, up to $15,000 per site
- Minimum Output Power: 6.6 kW
Fleet Electrification Only
Forklift Chargers (Rapid or Conventional)
- Project Cap: 50% of total project costs, up to $7,500 per site
- Minimum Output Power: N/A
Electric Standby Truck Refrigeration Unit (E/S TRU) Infrastructure
- Project Cap: 50% of total project costs, up to $7,500 per site
- Minimum Output Power: 230V
DC Fast Chargers
- Project Cap: 50% of total project costs, up to $100,000 per site
- Minimum Output Power: 50 kW
Fleet Electrification & Workplace Charging
Level 2 Hardwired Chargers
- Project Cap: 100% of total project costs, up to $50,000 per site
- Minimum Output Power: 6.6 kW
240V Outlet & Portable Chargers
- Project Cap: 100% of total project costs, up to $15,000 per site
- Minimum Output Power: 6.6 kW
Fleet Electrification Only
Forklift Chargers (Rapid or Conventional)
- Project Cap: 100% of total project costs, up to $15,000 per site
- Minimum Output Power: N/A
Electric Standby Truck Refrigeration Unit (E/S TRU) Infrastructure
- Project Cap: 100% of total project costs, up to $15,000 per site
- Minimum Output Power: 230V
DC Fast Chargers
- Project Cap: 100% of total project costs, up to $200,000 per site
- Minimum Output Power: 50 kW
For detailed eligibility requirements, please request the full Program Manual from the Business EV Charging Program team at businessEVcharging@seattle.gov. Eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- Applicant must be a City Light commercial (non-residential) account holder or customer.
- Customers must begin the City Light EV charging incentive application process before charging projects have been constructed.
- Level 2 and DC fast charging equipment must be listed on the City Light EPRI vetted product list. If your preferred equipment is not listed, encourage the manufacturer to have their product vetted by EPRI.
- Level 2 and DC fast charging projects must be capable of tracking data, and either use a network listed on the City Light EPRI vetted product list or use a City Light meter dedicated to the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). If your preferred network is not listed, please contact us.
- City Light incentives will not exceed 100% of total project costs and will be based on the remaining amount after considering other funding sources.
For Fleet Electrification Applicants:
- Have a vehicle fleet that contains at least one vehicle. Or provide a written intent to purchase or lease at least one electric vehicle to be charged using the equipment installed through this program (proof of additional vehicles may be requested depending on the number of stations installed).
- For non-road projects, only chargers for these types of vehicles/equipment are eligible for incentives:
- Forklift Chargers (Rapid or Conventional)
- Electric Standby Truck Refrigeration Units (E/S TRU) Infrastructure
- Rail Yard Switchers and Rail Car Movers (Traditional Level 2 & DCFC Infrastructure)
- Yard Trucks (Traditional Level 2 & DCFC Infrastructure)
-
Must self-certify if the EVSE installed through this program will also be available for public (non-fleet vehicle) charging and provide additional proof of fleet EVs if requested.
For Workplace Charging Applicants:
- Must self-certify that the EVSE will not be accessible to the general public (i.e. non-employees).
Ready to apply for an incentive?
Complete an interest form to get started:
Contact us at (206) 801-2890 (Se habla español) or businessEVcharging@seattle.gov for details on incentives, program advisory services, or other questions.
- Applicants must begin the application process before construction on the project has been completed (i.e. before the final permit agency inspection has been completed). Retroactive (post-construction) applications for incentives will not be accepted.
- Incentive applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. All approved applications will receive an incentive reservation letter, which will secure funding for the EV charging project for a limited period of time. For more information, please review the information in the Program Manual.
- Site caps for charger incentives apply on a calendar year basis and reset every year.
Resources
Explore Electric Fleet Vehicles
Select an Electric Vehicle (EV) that meets your fleet needs.
Discover how you can electrify your fleet with these available electric vehicles spanning multiple vehicle types and duties.
Project Spotlight
Learn about Sound Generations' experience joining City Light’s Fleet Electrification Program.
