First-of-its-kind policy analysis of best practices from across U.S. and globally

With Seattle taking big strides to increase electric vehicle infrastructure, and electric vehicles (EVs) hitting U.S. streets in record numbers, a new study by Environment Washington Research and Policy Center, WashPIRG Foundation, and Frontier Group highlights best practices to help local officials make their cities as EV-friendly as possible. The new report, “Plugging In: Readying America’s Cities for the Arrival of Electric Vehicles,” includes local and state data for Seattle and Tacoma about the projected number of electric cars expected on the road in coming years, and how cities can accommodate these new EVs with enough places to park and recharge.

“Electric cars are leaving gas-guzzlers in the dust in Washington, and the City of Seattle is showing great leadership in how to transition to an electrified transportation system,” stated Bruce Speight, Director of Environment Washington Research and Policy Center. “This transition is positive change after more than a century of vehicles spewing pollutants into the air, but Seattle and cities across the state need to do more and take additional steps to accelerate the transition to EVs.”

The “Plugging In” report estimates that Seattle could have as many as 47,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030. The City of Seattle has a goal of having 30 percent of vehicles in the city being electric by 2030, which would be roughly 133,000 cars, or three times what the report estimates. The report also estimates that roughly 4,000 chargers are needed to meet this goal.  Meanwhile, the city is investing in EV infrastructure – last month, the Mayor unveiled two new municipal fast chargers in Beacon Hill and 156 new chargers at a municipal parking garage.

“In Seattle, we’re investing in transit and other modes of transportation so that you don’t have to be in a car. But, if you do need to drive, we want it to be in an electric vehicle. That’s why we are committed to building out the infrastructure to support electric vehicles of all types,” said Jessica Finn Coven, Director of the Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment. “Our reputation as an electric transportation hub is growing and we are encouraged by the electric mobility companies that are investing in Seattle. This report will be a good resource as we move forward together toward a pollution-free future.”

The report calls on local officials to implement the following EV-friendly policies:

• Residential access to on-street EV charging
• Access to public charging stations
• Support for private investment in publicly-accessible stations
• Incentivized EV parking and charging

EV sales nationwide increased 38% in 2016, and then another 32% throughout 2017, as charging stations became more convenient. Those electric car purchases reflect Americans’ values, including a desire to protect our communities’ public health, reduce global warming pollution and stop using so much oil.

Even the auto industry recognizes that the future is electric. GM plans to launch 20 EV models by 2023, while Ford announced last month it plans to invest $11 billion in EVs, with a goal of having 40 models by 2022. These new cars don’t just check off the “electric” box; they’re earning acclaim from mainstream car enthusiasts. Motor Trend even named Chevrolet’s Bolt the 2017 Car of the Year.

But with more electric vehicles on the road, and many more coming soon, cities need to map out where EVs will charge, particularly in city centers and neighborhoods without off-street parking. In all, major cities will need to install hundreds to thousands of new publicly-accessible electric vehicle chargers to keep the increased number of EVs running, depending on the size of the city.

“American cities risk being unprepared for the impending arrival of thousands of electric vehicles on their streets,” said Alana Miller, policy analyst at Frontier Group and co-author of “Plugging In.” “Without forward-thinking policies that give EV owners places to park and charge their vehicles, cities could lose out on the health and air quality benefits that electric vehicles can deliver,” Miller said.

“One of the biggest barriers to greater EV adoption is the lack of charging infrastructure. We’re excited for more tools to be available to cities and towns across the United States that will help to speed adoption of these clean vehicles,” said Katherine Stainken, Policy Director for Plug In America.

The report’s authors note that local and state officials increasingly are having to lead on issues related to climate change, clean energy, and clean cars, as the Trump administration dismantles federal policies that offered concrete solutions to these issues. In the coming weeks, the administration is expected to propose new steps towards revoking federal fuel efficiency standards and weakening clean car policies.

“Adopting smart public policies, which have been implemented already in visionary American and international cities, can help more U.S. cities lead the electric vehicle revolution,” noted Elise Orlick, Director of WashPIRG Foundation.  “For the sake of our public health and environment, it’s crucial that we expand access to clean transportation for those who live, work and play in our urban centers. And once we complete the transition away from gasoline and diesel, we can all breathe easier and see more clearly.”