The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is suggesting 13 action items to increase the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) in Washington. Successfully implementing these actions will take leadership and support from Washington’s state agencies, legislators, and EV partners. Combined, they would increase the number of plug-in electric vehicles in the state from about 10,000 in 2014 to the state’s target of 50,000 by 2020.

1. Renew the sales and use tax exemption for the purchase or lease of Clean Cars.
2. Transform public and private fleets.
3. Conduct public education and outreach to increase consumer awareness and demand.
4. Provide more EV charging signage to increase public awareness of availability.
5. Explore providing other incentives to increase use of electric vehicles.
6. Complete the build-out of Washington’s fast charging network along highways.
7. Explore funding mechanisms and business models to bolster installation of EVSE.
8. Support workplace charging.
9. Address building codes, policy, and zoning barriers to EV infrastructure.
10. Engage utilities.
11. Require future state-supported DC fast charging stations to serve more vehicles.
12. Support and participate in regional partnerships to advance EVs.
13. Track and participate in national EV efforts.

This plan is intended to inform policy-makers, elected officials, and local leaders about the electric vehicle landscape in Washington, and identify actions that would drive further electric vehicle adoption. Building on efforts of The Washington Plug-In Vehicle Task Force and the Western Washington Clean Cities EV Readiness Plan, this plan sets forth actions that will ensure we continue our momentum, and achieve the state’s goal of 50,000 EVs by 2020.

The plan provides recommendations on strategies, policies, and investments to increase market demand for electric vehicles. Despite early success, Washington does not have a formal structure or sustainable funding for advancing the electric vehicle industry. Several of the proposed actions require state legislative changes and funding. Once legislators determine future investments, WSDOT will coordinate with stakeholders to implement actions, measure effectiveness, and report on progress.