Public Charging Incentive Program
By 2035 the goal is for all new vehicles sold in Washington to be electric. In 2024, more than one in four new vehicles registered in City Light's service area was electric or plug-in hybrid. Local electric vehicle (EV) ownership is outpacing available public charging stations.
City Light provides financial and technical support to make EV charging installation straightforward and cost-effective, prioritizing investment in historically overburdened and underrepresented communities to ensure equitable access to charging.
Benefits of Adding EV Charging
- Become a go-to destination for the rapidly growing community of EV drivers.
- Attract customers who stay longer and spend more with your business.
- Build loyalty with eco-conscious customers who return regularly to charge.
- Help to build a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable neighborhood.
- Provide a valuable community service by offering EV charging, even when you’re closed.
- Chargers serve multiple users, from customers to employees and company vehicles- maximizing your investment.
Benefits of Program Participation
- Up to $150,000 - $280,000 in financial incentives
- Free site assessments to evaluate locations
- Expert technical guidance
- Charger safety and security planning
- Resources for overburdened communities
- Dedicated staff support
- Partial incentive payment while construction is underway
Complimentary Site 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.
Incentive Amounts
The program provides incentives for Level 2 chargers, direct current fast chargers (DCFCs), and DCFCs with battery storage, as well as the cost of supporting electrical infrastructure. You may be eligible for both incentives.
| Charging Equipment | Overburdened Communities * | Other Areas |
| Level 2 Chargers (6.6 kW minimum) |
100% up to $5,000 | 50% up to $2,500 |
| Fast Chargers (100 kW minimum) |
100% up to $40,000 | 50% up to $20,000 |
| Fast Chargers (150 kW minimum) |
100% up to $80,000 | 50% up to $50,000 |
| Fast Chargers with Battery Storage | 100% up to $150,000 | 50% up to $125,000 |
The make-ready incentive covers electrical equipment and installation costs needed to prepare a site for EV charger installation. You may be eligible for both incentives.
| Make-Ready Support | Overburdened Communities * | Other Areas |
| Level 2 Chargers (6.6 kW minimum) |
100% up to $10,000 | 50% up to $5,000 |
| Fast Chargers (100 kW minimum) |
100% up to $150,000 | 50% up to $50,000 |
| Fast Chargers (150 kW minimum) |
100% up to $200,000 | 50% up to $100,000 |
| Fast Chargers with Battery Storage | 75% up to $50,000 | 50% up to $25,000 |
*Overburdened communities are areas with a 9.0 or higher rank on the Washington State Environmental Health Disparities map.
- Sites must be located within City Light’s service area
- Minimum of 4 charging ports per site
- Public accessibility 7 days/week, 12+ hours daily
- Each charger must meet minimum power output requirements
How to Start
- Email SCL_PublicCharging@seattle.gov or call (206) 801-2890 to express interest.
- Explore potential project options and review program requirements with our team.
- Work with a contractor to submit a proposal and site plan for program application.
- Submit your application to begin the incentive reservation process.
Resources
Our customers have suggested potential charger locations in our service area that they would like to see.
Get Started Today!
Be part of Washington's clean transportation future! Contact SCL_PublicCharging@seattle.gov to join Seattle's growing EV charging network.
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