Tax incentives and/or other incentives for drivers of electric vehicles in Olympia.
AFVs powered exclusively by electricity, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and propane are exempt from state emissions control inspections. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that obtain a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy rating of at least 50 miles per gallon during city driving are also exempt from these inspections.
(Reference Revised Code of Washington 46.16A.060)
NEVs and medium-speed electric vehicles are defined as self-propelled, electrically powered four-wheeled motor vehicles. NEVs may reach speeds of at least 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph. Medium-speed electric vehicles may reach speeds of at least 25 mph but not more than 35 mph. NEVs and medium-speed electric vehicles must be in compliance with the national safety standards in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. NEVs are permitted on roads having speed limits of up to 35 mph. Medium-speed electric vehicles are permitted on roads having speed limits of up to 45 mph in counties consisting of islands that are only connected to the mainland by ferry routes.
(Reference Revised Code of Washington 46.04.295, 46.04.357, 46.61.723, and 46.61.725)
Publicly and privately owned EVs may charge at state office locations if the vehicles are used for state business, conducting business with the state, or as commuter vehicles. Additionally, contingent upon funding, the state must install electrical outlets suitable for charging EVs in each of the state’s fleet parking and maintenance facilities as well as every state-operated highway rest stop. The Washington Department of Enterprise Services may report to the governor and the legislature on the amount of electricity consumed and the number of EVs using state-owned charging equipment if it represents a significant cost to the state.
(Reference Revised Code of Washington 43.01.250, 43.19.648, and 47.38.075)
Owners of all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with an all-electric range of at least 30 miles must pay an annual registration fee of $150 and a $75 transportation electrification fee in addition to standard vehicle fees. The transportation electrification fee contributes to state programs supporting the adoption of EVs and deployment of EV charging infrastructure. Hybrid electric vehicles and electric motorcycles are also subject to an additional annual fee of $75 and $30, respectively.
(Reference Revised Code of Washington 46.17.323-324)
The Washington Transportation Commission (Commission) studied the feasibility of transitioning from a fuel tax to a road user assessment system in the state. In 2012, the Commission conducted a limited scope pilot project to test the feasibility of this new system as it applies to EVs and published outcomes in a report. The Commission began a year-long pilot project in fall 2017. On January 13, 2020, the Commission submitted a final report of findings and recommendations to the governor, state legislature, and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The state legislature directed the Commission to further study aspects of the road usage charge program, including:
The report was published in January 2024. For more information, see the Commission Road Usage Charge Assessment website.
(Reference Senate Bill 5689, 2022)
A public EV charger is defined as a public parking space that is served by charging equipment. Public EV chargers must have vertical signage that identifies the station and indicates that it is only for EV charging. The signage must be consistent with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
All public EV chargers must also display all charges and fees associated with operation. Any person who parks a vehicle in a public EV charging station parking space and does not connect to the equipment is subject to a fine of $124.
By 2023, the Department of Agriculture must adopt rules requiring electric vehicle service providers (EVSP) to meet interoperability standards and offer multiple payment methods at public EV chargers. EVSPs must report inventory and payment information to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory annually. Charging stations installed before January 1, 2024, are exempt from the rules until January 1, 2034.
(Reference Revised Code of Washington 46.08.185 and 19.94)
The sale or lease of new or used passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger AFVs is exempt from the state retail sales and use tax. Eligible AFVs include those powered by natural gas, propane, hydrogen, or electricity. To be eligible, new vehicles may not be valued above $45,000 and used vehicles may not be valued above $30,000. The tax exemption may apply to all or a portion of the vehicle’s value. The maximum eligible amount for used purchased or leased vehicles is $16,000. The Maximum exemption amounts for vehicles are as follows:
| Purchase or Lease Year | Maximum New Vehicle Price Eligible for Exemption | Maximum Leased Vehicle Price Eligible for Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2023 | $20,000 | $16,000 |
| August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2025 | $15,000 | $16,000 |
For more information, see the Renewable Energy/Green Incentives section of Washington Department of Revenue’s Incentives Programs website.
(Reference Revised Code of Washington 82.12.9999)
Beginning July 1, 2022, 50% of the retail sales and state use tax does not apply to the sale or lease of the first 650 purchases of new passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles powered by fuel cells. The maximum value amount eligible for the tax exemption is the less of $16,000 or the fair market value of the vehicle. Additionally, all used FCEV sales and leases are exempt from the retail and state use tax. The FCEV exemption may not be combined with the Retail Sales and Use tax Exemption.
(Reference Revised Code of Washington 82.08.993 and 82.12.817)
The Joint Transportation Committee (Committee) must study opportunities for high-consumption fuel users (users) to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) and make recommendations to the Committees and governor by July 1, 2023. The Committee must investigate and determine the following:
The Committee published the report on June 20, 2023.
(Reference Senate Bill 5689, 2022)
The Washington State Department of Commerce and the Washington State Department of Transportation must establish an interagency EV coordinating council (Council) to advance transportation electrification. The Council must:
(Reference House Bill 1853, 2023 and Revised Code of Washington 43.392.040, 43.392.030)
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