Seattle Plans 200 Curbside EV Chargers by 2030

The city aims to expand its electric vehicle infrastructure following the results of a two-year pilot program.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Seattle Plans 200 Curbside EV Chargers by 2030

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Is it a good use of local tax dollars to fund electric vehicle charging stations?

Seattle officials have announced a new initiative to install 200 additional curbside electric vehicle charging stations across the city by 2030. This expansion follows a successful 2023-2024 pilot program that installed 58 chargers at 31 locations.

Why it matters

Rising demand for electric vehicle infrastructure in Seattle has prompted the city to move forward with a potential $21 million expansion plan. The projects are supported by a 2024 voter-approved transportation levy.

The completed pilot program cost $3 million and established 58 charging stations across 31 locations. Officials estimate it may take 14 years to fully recover the initial costs from this pilot project.

The players

Seattle Department of Transportation

This municipal agency is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of Seattle's public street infrastructure.

Seattle City Light

This public utility provider is responsible for supplying electricity to residents and businesses throughout the city.

The details

The Seattle Department of Transportation and Seattle City Light are managing the installation of the new stations. These efforts are funded directly through the 2024 voter-approved transportation levy as part of the city's broader infrastructure goals.

The pilot program, which installed 58 chargers, ran from 2023 to 2024.
City voters approved a transportation levy to fund infrastructure in 2024.
Officials announced the new plans for 200 charging stations in October 2026.
The city aims to reach its target of 200 new chargers by 2030.

Roadmap

This project accelerates Seattle's transition to electric mobility by codifying curbside charging as a standard municipal utility. It signals a move away from reliance on private charging networks toward a public model backed by voter-approved funding.

Residents can expect improved access to public curbside charging, which may lower barriers for EV adoption among those without private driveways. The expansion is designed to keep pace with the growing number of electric vehicles on local roads.

The takeaway

The citys infrastructure plan highlights the long-term commitment required to transition urban environments to electric power. Residents should monitor upcoming city council votes regarding the proposed $21 million funding expansion to see how it affects local charging availability.