Seattle is expanding its public EV charging network with plans to add 200 new stations, aiming to make EV ownership more accessible for residents without private garages or driveways. This follows an earlier rollout of 58 units between 2023 and 2024. The city’s transportation department and Seattle City Light will oversee the project, prioritizing apartment-heavy areas where access to charging is limited. The initiative invites residents and building owners to suggest potential locations through fall 2027, with selections made in rounds of 40 to 50 sites. Factors like neighborhood population, existing charging availability, and potential user numbers will guide the process. Underserved areas will also be considered in the planning.
Each new station will provide Level 2 charging with a maximum output of 9.6 kilowatts, offering about 30 miles of range per hour. The equipment will include freestanding units and pole-mounted chargers, allowing drivers to use them without prior booking, though availability will depend on demand. Engineering and planning are set to begin in spring 2027, with installations starting later that year. Each site is expected to take about two weeks to construct. The project will be funded through a voter-approved transportation levy and municipal utility funds.
The expansion occurs amid a challenging period for the U.S. EV industry. Third-quarter 2026 sales dropped 39.5% compared to the same period last year, as federal tax incentives expired. EVs accounted for 6.4% of new vehicle sales in Q3 2026, down from over 10% a year earlier, though sales improved sequentially. Tesla remains the top EV seller, capturing more than half of U.S. sales, despite a 20% year-over-year decline in its own sales. These figures underscore the industry’s struggle as public charging networks continue to grow while consumer adoption slows.