Courtesy
For firsthand experience and answers to any EV questions, visit the Electrify Expo at Marymoor Park on July 12-13. The event features:
• Ride-and-drive test tracks
• Opportunities to speak with current EV owners
• Booths from automakers, charging providers, and clean energy groups
• Educational sessions on charging, ownership costs, and vehicle comparisons
• Admission is free and open to the public. Details at www.electrifyexpo.com.
Some common EV-related topics include:
BUY AN EV NOW?
Short answer: Maybe — but not blindly.
Maybe your neighbor has an electric vehicle (EV). Maybe your coworker won’t stop talking about their zero gas bill. Maybe you’ve even found yourself Googling “how long do EV batteries last” late at night — but you’re still not convinced.
EVs are becoming increasingly common, but many questions remain: What if you can’t find a charger? What if the battery dies on a mountain trip? What if they’re just too expensive?
If you’re skeptical or unsure, you’re not alone.
EV SALES ARE INCREASING
Electric vehicles accounted for about 18% of all new car registrations in Washington in 2024, according to the State Department of Licensing. The state’s Clean Cars 2035 plan requires all new passenger vehicles sold here to be zero-emission by 2035, though used gasoline vehicles will still be allowed.
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
Washington offers several financial programs to reduce EV purchase costs:
• State sales tax exemption on the first $15,000 of a new EV
• Federal Clean Vehicle Tax Credit up to $7,500 (varies by model and income)
• Utility rebates from Seattle City Light and others for home charger installation and off-peak electricity rates
CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE
Seattle and the surrounding region have hundreds of public chargers:
• Level 2 chargers add roughly 20–30 miles of range per hour
• DC fast chargers can recharge most EVs to 80% in 30-45 minutes
• Public networks include Seattle City Light, Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. Apartment dwellers may face challenges accessing charging, as many buildings have limited or no EV stations yet.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
Despite improvements, public charging still faces challenges:
• Charger availability: Popular locations in neighborhoods like Ballard and Capitol Hill often have full chargers or cars parked after charging is complete.
• Reliability: Some chargers are out of service or suffer from payment and connectivity issues.
• Multiple networks: EV charging is fragmented among different companies, each requiring separate apps or accounts. Some manufacturers, like Ford (BlueOval Charge Network) and Volkswagen (We Charge), offer integrated access across multiple providers to simplify charging.
• Time commitment: Level 2 chargers are slow for quick top-ups; fast chargers are fewer, more expensive, and mainly located along highways.
• Limited access for renters: Many apartments lack chargers; nearby public chargers may be busy during peak times. Seattle is working to improve multifamily EV readiness, but progress is ongoing.
IS AN EV PRACTICAL FOR PNW?
Yes — especially in the Seattle metro area. EVs work great in our mild climate. Cold weather range loss is minimal compared to the Midwest, and you won’t be idling in heatwaves. If you're mostly commuting, running errands, you’ll barely notice the difference—aside from fewer gas stops. Thanks to Washington’s hydro-powered electrical grid, driving an EV here is one of the greenest transportation choices you can make.
If you travel often to the mountains, Eastern Washington, or Oregon, you’ll want a model with longer range and fast charging support. The Cascades are increasingly EV-friendly, but you’ll need to think like a backpacker: plan your stops, know your limits, and bring snacks.
RANGE AND CLIMATE PERFORMANCE
Most EVs now offer 200–350 miles of range per charge. Washington’s mild climate results in less battery performance loss compared to colder states, though winter can reduce range by 10–30%. Popular models like the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 perform well regionally.
MAINTENANCE AND RELIABILITY
EVs have fewer moving parts than gas cars, requiring no oil changes or spark plugs, and typically have lower maintenance costs. Battery longevity varies by use; most manufacturers provide 8- to 10-year warranties. Seattle has local service centers for most major EV brands.