Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) are available with the same features and accessories as gas-powered cars but use electric motors with rechargeable batteries freeing your drive from fossil fuels. They are a critical step toward reducing carbon emissions and are particularly popular in the Seattle area because EV owners benefit from City Light's clean, affordable electricity.
Why Drive an EV?
They are cheaper to drive and operate. There are more options than ever to buy new, used, or lease an EV at an affordable price. Less maintenance and our low-cost electricity help you save, and you can take advantage of Washington State incentives and discounts. But don't just take our word for it:
- Calculate Your Commute and Compare Vehicle Fuel Costs
- Save Money on EVs - Find Incentives & Discounts
They are convenient to charge. Many owners can charge their cars overnight at home, just like a cell phone. If your company has charging stations, you can also charge your car while you work. And, there are numerous public charging stations with chargers throughout the region, including several owned and planned by City Light.
They are better for our health. Since electric cars don't produce tailpipe emissions, the air we breathe is less toxic, contributing to better air quality and health for our communities.
They are better for the environment. Rest easy knowing you are charging on our carbon-free hydroelectricity, delivered with a net-zero impact. EVs are oil-free, produce 85% fewer carbon emissions, and can be powered by renewable energy like City Light's hydroelectric dams or solar panels.
What to Know Before You Buy an EV
Know how much range you need. If your daily commute is 80 miles or less, most models will get you there on one charge. If you are going further, consider a model with ranges of 200+ miles per charge. Explore the Electric Car Insider's Electric Vehicle Buyers Guide for more information.
Plan for access to charging. If you have a source of power where you park at home or work, you're all set. EVs typically come with a Level 1 charger that can plug in directly to a standard 120-volt outlet to charge your car. For faster charging, you can install a home charger using the same type of 240-volt outlet that powers your laundry dryer or electric oven (called Level 2 charging).
For more information about installing chargers for single and multifamily homes in Seattle, visit the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections EV charging tips resource.
What incentives are available?
To offset the cost of purchasing an EV, take advantage of the incentives and tax credits available. Many incentives can often be stacked for an even better deal.
As the popularity of EVs grows in our area, so does the need for a reliable charging infrastructure. Here at City Light, expanding access to charging in a way that is both equitable and conveniently accessible for our customers is a priority for our utility. We offer a number of different charging programs to help make it possible for customers to take advantage of our low cost, carbon-neutral energy while charging their vehicle.
Here in Washington state, new and used electric vehicles are exempt from state retail sales and use tax, up to a portion of the sales or leasing price. Vehicles must meet certain requirements, and the exemption happens during vehicle registration through the Department of Licensing. The exemption applies to both dealer and private sales.
New Vehicles
Exemption amount of up to $15,000 of the sale or lease price.
- Vehicle must be purchased for $45,000 or under
- Must be purchased before July 31, 2025
- Find a Qualifying Vehicle.
Used Vehicles
Exemption amount of up to $16,000 of the sale or lease price.
- Vehicle must be purchased for $30,000 or under
- Must be purchased before July 31, 2025
- Find a Qualifying Vehicle.
There are federal incentives to help make purchasing an EV more affordable. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers $370 billion in funding to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing tax credits and incentives directly to households that purchase clean energy technologies. New and used EVs are eligible, and you can apply IRA credits for an immediate discount at the dealership.
New Vehicles
$7,500 maximum federal tax credit is available for eligible taxpayers for their first-time purchase of an electric vehicle.
- Vans, SUVs, and pick-up trucks purchased for $80,000 or under
- All other vehicles purchased for $55,000 or under
- Find a Qualifying Vehicle.
Income eligibility during tax filing:
- Married Filing Jointly maximum income of $300,000
- Head of Household Filing maximum income of $225,000
- All Other Filers maximum income of $150,000
Used Vehicles
$4,000 maximum federal tax credit is available for eligible taxpayers purchase of a pre-owned electric vehicle.
- Vehicle must be purchased for $25,000 or under
- This credit is only available through dealership purchases.
- Can only be claimed once every three years.
- Used vehicles must be a model year at least two years earlier than the calendar year when you buy it. Find a Qualifying Vehicle.
Income eligibility during tax filing:
- Married Filing Jointly maximum income of $150,000
- Head of Household Filing maximum income of $112,500
- All Other Filers maximum income of $75,000
Where to Find Charging
There are numerous public charging stations located throughout our region, including several owned by City Light. As EVs continue to grow in popularity, City Light and others are helping to improve EV infrastructure, making charging more accessible than ever.
We're installing fast public charging stations and curbside Level 2 chargers across our service area - allowing you to get a full charge for most vehicles through City Light's clean electricity. And be on the lookout for new charging installations in the future!
Public Charging FAQ (English) or Public Charging FAQ (Spanish)
Help us understand your EV charging needs as we plan for new public chargers in our service area. Suggest a new location, or see what others have suggested.
