Electric vehicles
Highlights
2023
- The number of registered electric vehicles in Washington increased 213% between 2019 and 2023 with 166,800 total electric vehicles registered
- As of 2023, the state had 1,825 Level 2 charging station locations and 291 fast charging stations, indicating respective increases of 217% and 191% since 2019
- 26% percent of WSDOT's passenger vehicle fleet is electric
2022
- Electric vehicle registrations in Washington increased 167% between 2018 and 2022
- Twenty-six percent of WSDOT's passenger vehicle fleet is electric
2021
- Electric vehicle registrations in Washington increased 192% between 2017 and 2021
- Public charging ports for EVs in Washington state increased 131% between 2017 and 2021
- Twenty-three percent of WSDOT's passenger vehicle fleet is electric.
2020
- Electric vehicle registrations in Washington increased 188% between 2016 and 2020
- WSDOT decreased its passenger vehicle fleet by 5% between 2016 and 2020, and increased the percentage of electric vehicles in its fleet from 6% to 23%
- Public charging ports for EVs in Washington state increased 133% between 2016 and 2020
2019
- Electric vehicle registrations in Washington increased 222% between 2015 and 2019
- WSDOT decreased its passenger vehicle fleet by 17% between 2015 and 2019, and increased the percentage of electric vehicles in its fleet from 5% to 23%
- Public charging ports for EVs in Washington state increased 206% between 2015 and 2019
Electric vehicles background
Washington's transportation system is the largest source of climate pollution in the state accounting for 40% of all emissions according to the state's most recent greenhouse gas inventory in 2019. The other 60% is comprised of residential, commercial, industrial heating (25%), electricity (21%), and other (14%). On-road greenhouse gas emissions make up approximately 58% of the state's transportation sector emissions. To learn more about emissions calculations, visit GHG inventories - Washington State Department of Ecology.
The legislature is requiring Washington state to reduce its overall greenhouse gas emissions to 50 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year (45% below 1990 levels) by 2030, to 27 MMT CO2e per year (70% below 1990 levels) by 2040, and to 5 MMT CO2e per year (95% below 1990 levels) by 2050.
Accelerated adoption of electric vehicles is integral to reducing the transportation sector's emissions and advancing the state's emission reduction goals. In 2023, Washington's EVs accounted for 10% market share. By 2035, state law will require all new cars sold in Washington to have zero tailpipe emissions.