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    Author: Ellen Yoffee

    February 2025 transportation electrification open funding opportunities

    US DOE – Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program

    • Qualifying applicants: Manufacturers of advanced technology vehicles that achieve defined fuel economy targets and producers of components or materials that enhance the fuel economy performance of eligible vehicles.
    • Qualifying projects: Must 1) manufacture eligible vehicles or components that are used in eligible vehicles, 2) build new facilities; reequip, modernize or expand existing facilities; and/or support engineering integration performed in the U.S. related to the manufacturing of eligible vehicles or components, 3) be located in the U.S., and 4) provide a reasonable prospect of repayment.
    • Total funding amount: $10 billion.
    • Application due date: Rolling applications.

    National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – Clean Bus Planning Award

    • Qualifying applicants: State and local government entities that provide bus service; private school fleets with an active contractual agreement to serve a public school district; nonprofit school transportation associations; tribes, tribal organizations, or tribally controlled schools responsible for the purchase of school buses or providing school bus service for a BIA-funded school; direct or designated recipients of FTA grants, including state and local governmental authorities, and tribes.
    • Award goals: Connect transit and school bus fleets with technical experts to support planning for bus electrification.
    • Assistance provided: Existing fleet baseline analysis, vehicle electrification feasibility analysis, infrastructure assessment and optimization strategy, procurement and project staging, financial analysis, emissions modeling, stakeholder analysis, workforce considerations, and recommended next steps.
    • Application due date: Rolling applications.

    US DOE – Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program

    • Qualifying applicants: Applicants must meet the SBIR/STTR program eligibility requirements in 13 CFR 121, Small Business Size Regulations.
    • Qualifying projects: Grant applications sought for the following subtopics: Innovative EV battery cells and components, improving EV battery recycling efficiency, improving consumer electronic battery recycling efficiency, modular heavy-duty vehicle batteries, material innovations for thermal runaway mitigation in high-end battery enclosures, EV battery firefighting technologies, electrified hydraulic components for off-road equipment, and increasing efficiency through systemwide innovation.
    • Total funding amount: $65 million.
    • Application due date: Feb. 26, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

    US DOE – FY 2025 Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) program-wide funding program

    • Qualifying applicants: Institutes of higher education, for-profit entities, nonprofit entities, state and local government entities and Indian tribes; and consortia of entities described in this paragraph.
    • Qualifying projects: Projects to address improved battery technology for both light- and heavy-duty applications, smart charging infrastructure, sustainable farming, workforce development, and demonstration and deployment of these new innovative technologies.
    • Total funding amount: $88 million
    • Application due date: June 18, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST

    US DOE – Community Energy Innovation Prize Round 2

    • Qualifying applicants: Individuals; private entities (for-profits and nonprofits); nonfederal government entities such as states, counties, tribes and municipalities; and academic institutions.
    • Qualifying projects: The prize is made up of three tracks, one of which is the Vehicles Ecosystem Track. For this track, prizes will be awarded based on supporting the deployment of clean transportation technologies in a manner that promotes access to clean transportation technologies, improves health and air quality outcomes, and lowers the burden of transportation impacts on community members.
    • Total funding amount: $8.42 million.
    • Application due date: June 20, 2025.

    January 2025 transportation electrification open funding opportunities


    US DOE – Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program

    • Qualifying applicants: Manufacturers of advanced technology vehicles that achieve defined fuel economy targets and producers of components or materials that enhance the fuel economy performance of eligible vehicles.
    • Qualifying projects: Must 1) manufacture eligible vehicles or components that are used in eligible vehicles, 2) build new facilities; reequip, modernize or expand existing facilities; and/or support engineering integration performed in the U.S. related to the manufacturing of eligible vehicles or components, 3) be located in the U.S., and 4) provide a reasonable prospect of repayment.
    • Total funding amount: $10 billion.
    • Application due date: Rolling applications.

    National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – Clean Bus Planning Award

    • Qualifying applicants: State and local government entities providing bus service; private school fleets with an active contractual agreement to serve a public school district; nonprofit school transportation associations; tribes, tribal organizations, or tribally controlled schools responsible for the purchase of school buses or providing school bus service for a BIA-funded school; direct or designated recipients of FTA grants, including state and local governmental authorities, and tribes.
    • Award goals: Connect transit and school bus fleets with technical experts to support planning for bus electrification.
    • Assistance provided: Existing fleet baseline analysis, vehicle electrification feasibility analysis, infrastructure assessment and optimization strategy, procurement and project staging, financial analysis, emissions modeling, stakeholder analysis, workforce considerations, and recommended next steps.
    • Application due date: Rolling applications.

    WSDOT: Electric Vehicle Charging Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator grant

    • Qualifying applicants: Public or private entities registered to do business in Washington, excluding investor-owned utilities.
    • Qualifying projects: For projects that will improve the reliability of existing non-operational publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Washington.
    • Total funding amount: Up to $9,545,728.00.
    • Application due date: Jan. 30, 2025, by 5 p.m. PST.

    WSDOT: National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)

    • Qualifying applicants: Contractor(s) who can help with the acquisition, installation and operation, and maintenance of the publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure.
    • Qualifying projects: NEVI-compliant charging stations along the identified corridors.
    • Total funding amount: $25 million.
    • Application due date: Jan. 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m. PST.
    • US DOE – Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program
    • Qualifying applicants: Applicants must meet the SBIR/STTR program eligibility requirements in 13 CFR 121, Small Business Size Regulations.
    • Qualifying projects: Grant applications sought for the following subtopics: Innovative EV battery cells and components, improving EV battery recycling efficiency, improving consumer electronic battery recycling efficiency, modular heavy-duty vehicle batteries, material innovations for thermal runaway mitigation in high-end battery enclosures, EV battery firefighting technologies, electrified hydraulic components for off-road equipment, and increasing efficiency through systemwide innovation.
    • Total funding amount: $65 million
    • Application due date: Feb. 26, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST.

    U.S. SCEP – Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

    • Qualifying applicants: Tribal governments.
    • Qualifying projects: Reduce fossil-fuel emissions in an environmentally sustainable way while maximizing benefits for local and regional communities.
      • Reduce the total energy use of eligible entities.
      • Improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, the building sector and other appropriate sectors.
      • Build a clean and equitable energy economy that prioritizes overburdened communities and promotes equity and inclusion in workforce opportunities and deployment activities, including programs for financing zero-emission transportation (and associated infrastructure).
      • Total funding amount: $430 million.
    • Application due date: May 31, 2025.

    US DOE – Community Energy Innovation Prize Round 2

    • Qualifying applicants: Individuals; private entities (for-profits and nonprofits); nonfederal government entities such as states, counties, tribes and municipalities; and academic institutions.
    • Qualifying projects: The prize is made up of three tracks; one of which is the Vehicles Ecosystem Track. For this track, prizes will be awarded based on supporting the deployment of clean transportation technologies in a manner that promotes access to clean transportation technologies, improves health and air quality outcomes, and lowers the burden of transportation impacts on community members.
    • Total funding amount: $8.42 million.
    • Application due date: June 20, 2025.

    Commerce grants over $14.3 million for energy efficiency retrofits in public buildings

    Funded by the Climate Commitment Act, the grants are expected to play a key role in helping building owners meet Washington’s Clean Buildings Performance Standards.

    OLYMPIA, WA – The Department of Commerce has awarded 26 grants aimed at reducing emissions, enhancing the comfort of building occupants, and improving the cost efficiency of public building operations. These projects are designed with strong savings-to-investment ratios and include operations and maintenance plans to ensure long-term success and sustainability.

    The grants will fund retrofits for existing facilities and other energy-saving projects that lower operational costs. The Energy Efficiency Retrofits for Public Buildings Grants program was open to local governments, public higher education institutions, school districts, federally recognized tribal governments, and state agencies. Forty percent of the funding has been allocated for K-12 public school districts.

    “Investing in energy efficiency is an investment in our future — reducing emissions, enhancing comfort, and driving long-term savings for our communities,” said Jennifer Grove, Interim Assistant Director for the Washington State Department of Commerce Energy Division. “These grants demonstrate our commitment to building a more sustainable Washington, supporting public institutions in their efforts to lower energy costs while creating healthier, more resilient spaces for students, employees, and community members.”

    To date, 26 recipients will receive grants:

    • Benton County: $406,000
    • Bethel School District: $798,161
    • City of Chewelah: $392,250
    • City of Seattle: $309,464
    • City of Spokane Valley: $258,950
    • Clallam County Hospital: $1,000,000
    • Clover Park School District: $607,020
    • Eatonville School District: $1,000,000
    • Edmonds School District: $191,250
    • Highline Public Schools – Cascade: $218,080
    • Highline Public Schools – Chinook: $209,374
    • Hockinson School District: $427,474
    • Issaquah School District: $847,816
    • Lake Stevens School District: $1,000,000
    • Lake Washington School District: $325,436
    • Lakewood School District: $293,663
    • Lewis County: $571,200
    • Mead School District: $591,812
    • Naches Valley School District: $231,137
    • Riverview School District: $348,085
    • South Puget Sound Community College: $1,000,000
    • Sultan School District: $304,037
    • Sunnyside School District: $663,599
    • Toppenish School District: $744,760
    • Wapato School District: $939,075
    • Washougal School District: $623,942

    The funding for these Energy Efficiency Grants comes from the Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5949, which set aside $14.5 million. After allocating 3% for administrative costs, $14,065,000 million was available for the grants. An additional $237,585 is sourced from remaining funds from previous energy efficiency solicitations.

    Visit Commerce’s website for more information about the Energy Efficiency Retrofits program and the Clean Buildings Performance Standards.

    Department of Commerce offers clean building performance grants

    State grants help building owners boost energy efficiency, cut costs, and create jobs

    OLYMPIA, WA– The Washington State Department of Commerce is now accepting applications for the Clean Building Performance Grants program, which provides funding to help private and public building owners make improvements and meet Washington’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS). This initiative aims to lower energy costs, reduce pollution, and create jobs across the state.

    Building owners are required to comply with the performance standard beginning in 2026, depending on building size. Competitive grants are available now for work on Tier 1 covered buildings and Tier 1 and Tier 2 covered public buildings.

    A Tier 1 covered building is defined as a building with combined nonresidential, hotel, motel, and dormitory floor area exceeding 50,000 gross square feet, excluding the parking garage areas. Tier 2 buildings have floor areas greater than 20,000 gross square feet, but not more than 50,000 gross square feet, as well as multifamily residential buildings with floor areas of 50,000 gross square feet or more, excluding parking garage areas. Get the complete details, timelines and FAQs at the Clean Buildings Performance Standards webpage.

    Building owners can use these grants to offset the costs of energy efficiency projects and services that promote compliance with the performance standard. Grants will reimburse building owners for costs associated with projects and services that help achieve compliance with the CBPS, such as:

    • Energy efficiency retrofits
    • Contracted services to assist with:
      • Energy audits (for privately held buildings)
      • Energy benchmarking
      • Developing an energy management plan (EMP)
      • Developing an operations and maintenance program (O&M)
      • Professional accounting services

    “This program represents a significant step forward in creating cleaner, more energy-efficient buildings while also supporting economic growth and job creation in Washington,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong.

    Application details:

    • Deadline to apply is Jan. 30, 2025.
    • Applications and additional details about the program are available on the Clean Building Performance Grants webpage.
    • Two applicant conferences will be held on Dec. 19, 2024, and Jan. 9, 2025, providing potential applicants with an opportunity to ask questions about the program and eligibility.
    • The Clean Building Performance Grants program reflects Washington State’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and economic opportunity.
    • For information about Clean Building Performance Grants or to learn how to apply please contact the department at CBPSGrants@commerce.wa.gov.

    November 2024 transportation electrification open funding opportunities

    US DOE – Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program

    • Qualifying applicants – Manufacturers of advanced technology vehicles that achieve defined fuel economy targets as well as producers of components or materials that enhance the fuel economy performance of eligible vehicles.
    • Qualifying projects – Must 1) manufacture eligible vehicles or components that are used in eligible vehicles, 2) build new facilities; reequip, modernize or expand existing facilities; and/or support engineering integration performed in the U.S. related to the manufacturing of eligible vehicles or components, 3) be located in the U.S., and 4) provide a reasonable prospect of repayment.
    • Total funding amount – $10 billion.
    • Application due date – Rolling applications.

    National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – Clean Bus Planning Awards

    • Qualifying applicants – State and local government entities providing bus service; private school fleets with and an active contractual agreement to serve a public school district; nonprofit school transportation associations; tribes, tribal organizations, or tribally controlled schools responsible for the purchase of school buses or providing school bus service for a BIA funded school; direct or designated recipients of FTA grants, including state and local governmental authorities, and tribes.
    • Award goals – Connect transit and school bus fleets with technical experts to support planning for bus electrification.
    • Assistance provided – Existing fleet baseline analysis, vehicle electrification feasibility analysis, infrastructure assessment and optimization strategy, procurement and project staging, financial analysis, emissions modeling, stakeholder analysis, workforce considerations and recommended next steps.
    • Application due date – Rolling applications.

    US EPA – IRA Community Change Grants Program

    • Qualifying applicants – Partnerships between two community-based non-profit organizations; a partnership between a community-based non-profit organization and one of the following: a federally recognized tribe, a local government, or an institution of higher education.
    • Qualifying projects – Investments in low- and zero-emission and resilient technologies and related infrastructure with a focus on benefitting disadvantaged communities.
    • Total funding amount – $2 billion.
    • Application due date – Nov. 21, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

    U.S. EPA – Clean School Bus Program Rebates

    • Qualifying applicants – Public school districts, tribal applicants, third parties.
    • Qualifying projects – Rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models.
    • Total funding amount – $965 million.
    • Application due date – Jan. 9, 2024, by 4 p.m. Eastern Time.

    WSDOT – National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)

    • Qualifying applicants – Contractor(s) who can help with the acquisition, installation and operation and maintenance of the publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure.
    • Qualifying projects – NEVI-compliant charging stations along the identified corridors.
    • Total funding amount – $25 million.
    • Application due date – Jan. 15, 2025.

    U.S. SCEP – Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

    • Qualifying applicants – Tribal governments.
    • Qualifying projects – Reduce fossil fuel emissions in an environmentally sustainable way while maximizing benefits for local and regional communities.
      • Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities.
      • Improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, the building sector and other appropriate sectors.
      • Build a clean and equitable energy economy that prioritizes overburdened communities and promotes equity and inclusion in workforce opportunities and deployment activities, including programs for financing zero-emission transportation (and associated infrastructure).
    • Total funding amount – $430 million.
    • Application due date – May 31, 2025.

    Washington state eliminates harmful chemicals from thermal receipts

    Collaboration between agencies helps reduce harmful chemicals

    OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has replaced thermal receipts containing harmful bisphenols (BPA & BPC) with a safer, phenol-free alternative, a major step toward protecting public health and the environment.

    Why thermal receipts are a health concern

    Thermal receipts are printed on special paper made of multiple layers, including a chemical mixture that determines how well they resist heat, moisture, abrasion and light. But thermal receipts contain bisphenols, which are endocrine disruptors that can cause negative health effects, particularly in children. Removing these potentially harmful chemicals helps protect our communities, as well as our environment.

    A collaborative solution across state agencies

    When Department of Ecology employee Elaine Snouwaert was boarding a Washington State ferry, she discovered that thermal receipts were being used at ferry terminals and promptly initiated an interagency collaboration to resolve the situation. The State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP) Office worked in partnership with WSDOT, Ecology and Department of Enterprise Services to find alternatives to replace the existing thermal receipt paper.

    After identifying bisphenol-free receipt paper, the Department of Enterprise Services added it to a statewide purchasing contract, making bisphenol-free thermal receipt paper accessible to all state agencies. Washington State Ferries will be the first state agency to replace BPA-containing products ahead of the state-wide ban in 2026. Ferry customers can expect to see the new phenol-free thermal receipts in about a month.

    “This is a great example of state agencies working together to implement Governor Inslee’s vision to eliminate a harmful product from our customers and our employees hands,” said Kevin Bartoy, WSF’s senior director of quality, health, safety and environment. It is the effort of one person raising their voice and being an environmental steward that has helped and guided WSF and other state agencies to eliminate the use of this product. “

    “Switching to phenol-free thermal receipts is a small but significant step in reducing everyday exposure to toxic chemicals,” said Mike Fong, Department of Commerce director. “Our partnership with agencies across the state demonstrates a unified commitment to protect both public health and the environment. By taking action now, Washington State Ferries and other agencies are not only ahead of the 2026 ban on bisphenol-containing receipts, but they are also setting a precedent for other states to follow.”

    The State Efficiency and Environmental Performance agency (SEEP) continues to lead efforts to make state agency operations greener by eliminating harmful substances, such as bisphenols in receipts, and by promoting the use of electric vehicles, clean energy, and sustainable practices.

    For more details on how Washington is reducing toxic chemicals in everyday operations and promoting environmental sustainability, visit the SEEP webpage.

    October 2024 transportation electrification open funding opportunities

    • Qualifying applicants – Manufacturers of advanced technology vehicles that achieve defined fuel economy targets and manufacturers of components or materials that support eligible vehicles’ fuel economy performance.
    • Qualifying projects – Must 1) manufacture eligible vehicles or components that are used in eligible vehicles, 2) build new facilities; reequip, modernize, or expand existing facilities; and/or for engineering integration performed in the U.S. related to the manufacturing of eligible vehicles or components, 3) be located in the U.S., and 4) provide reasonable prospect of repayment.
    • Total funding amount – $10 billion.
    • Application due date – Rolling applications.

    NREL – Clean Bus Planning Awards

    • Qualifying applicants – State and local government entities providing bus service; private school fleets with and an active contractual agreement to serve a public school district; nonprofit school transportation associations; tribes, tribal organizations, or tribally controlled schools responsible for the purchase of school buses or providing school bus service for a BIA funded school; direct or designated recipients of FTA grants, including state and local governmental authorities, and tribes.
    • Award goals – Connect transit and school bus fleets with technical experts to support planning for bus electrification.
    • Assistance provided – Existing fleet baseline analysis, vehicle electrification feasibility analysis, infrastructure assessment and optimization strategy, procurement and project staging, financial analysis, emissions modeling, stakeholder analysis, workforce considerations, and recommended next steps.
    • Application due date – Opened February 20, 2024; taking rolling applications.

    US VTO – Fiscal Year 2024 VTO Batteries FOA

    • Qualifying Applicants – Institutions of higher education, for-profit entities, nonprofit entities, state and local governmental entities and Indian tribes.
    • Qualifying projects – Areas of interest: 1) Improved 12V lead acid batteries for safety-critical electric vehicle applications; 2) develop vehicle or structural level strategies to reduce the likelihood of the cascading effects of electric vehicle fires; 3) battery electrode, cell, and pack manufacturing cost reduction; 4) silicon-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries; and; 5) high energy density conversion cathodes.
    • Total funding amount – $43 million.
    • Application due date – October 30, 2024 at 5:00PM ET.

    US SCEP – Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

    • Qualifying applicants – States, local governments and tribes. Qualifying projects:
      • Reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and, to the maximum extent practicable, maximizes benefits for local and regional communities.
      • Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities.
      • Improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, the building sector, and other appropriate sectors.
      • Build a clean and equitable energy economy that prioritizes disadvantaged communities and promotes equity and inclusion in workforce opportunities and deployment activities, including programs for financing zero-emission transportation (and associated infrastructure).
    • Total funding amount – $430 million.
    • Application due date – For local governments: October 31, 2024. For tribes: May 31, 2025.

    US DOE – SuperTruck Charge

    • Qualifying applicants – Domestic entities (institutions of higher education; for-profit entities; non-profit entities; state and local government entities and tribes).
    • Qualifying projects – Innovative and replicable solutions to support electrified medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, accelerate charging infrastructure deployment, reduce grid impacts through vehicle-grid integration strategies, and drastically reduce GHG emissions.
    • Total funding amount – $72 million.
    • Application due date – Nov. 20, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

    US EPA – IRA Community Change Grants Program

    • Qualifying applicants – Partnerships between two community-based non-profit organizations; a partnership between a community-based non-profit organization and one of the following: a federally recognized tribe, a local government, or an institution of higher education.
    • Qualifying projects – Investments in low- and zero-emission and resilient technologies and related infrastructure with a focus to benefit disadvantaged communities.
    • Total funding amount – $2 billion.
    • Application due date – Nov. 21, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. ET.

    U.S. EPA – Clean School Bus Program Rebates

    • Qualifying applicants – Public school districts, tribal applicants, third parties.
    • Qualifying projects – Rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models.
    • Total funding amount – $965 million.
    • Application due date – Jan. 9, 2024, by 4:00 p.m. ET.

    WSDOT – National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)

    • Qualifying applicants – Funds made available under the NEVI formula program shall be used to contract with a private entity for the acquisition, installation and operation and maintenance of the publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure.
    • Qualifying projects – NEVI-compliant charging stations along the identified corridors.
    • Total funding amount – $25 million.
    • Application due date – Jan. 15, 2025

    Washington to see fuel savings and cleaner air as popular electric vehicle rebate program concludes

    Participation in Commerce’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Instant Rebate Program was three times higher than expected, driven by easy-to-access rebates and low-cost leases

    OLYMPIA, WA – More than 6,000 residents drove away in a new EV since August thanks to the Department of Commerce’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Instant Rebate Program, which provided on-the-spot rebates at the point of sale or lease. The successful statewide program concluded today after maxing out $45 million in funding. Low-income drivers across Washington benefitted significantly, receiving an average rebate of $7,400. Once the program’s data is finalized, the total number of rebates is expected to reach more than 6,100.

    “The huge popularity of this program reflects Washingtonians’ enthusiasm for moving beyond gas-powered cars.” said Governor Jay Inslee. “They want to be a part of the work we’re doing statewide to slash pollution and emissions, while drawing their gas costs down to $0. I want to thank the Department of Commerce for successfully implementing this rebate for consumers.”

    “The program’s higher-than-expected participation shows many Washington residents are eager to make the switch to EVs,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong. “By removing the up-front cost barrier for those who can least afford it, we leveled the playing field. Now thousands of people and their families all across the state will have access to the many benefits of driving electric.

    The program opened Aug. 1, and Commerce staff initially estimated that funding would last until next spring. Participation surged to three times the forecasted rate, with funding spent out in less than 90 days. The unexpectedly high demand was largely driven by the popularity of Washington’s innovative low-cost EV lease option, which provided a $9,000 rebate for new EVs. The state is the first to offer a higher rebate amount for leases, which will broaden the program’s impact in a few years when many of the vehicles will be available to buy used after their current term.

    “We’re thrilled to help move so many customers into electric vehicles,” said Commerce Energy Division Assistant Director Michael Furze. “The low-cost lease option was a real catalyst to helping customers try EVs, and we’ve heard great feedback about what it means to drivers now saving on fuel.”

    Based on current data, program manager Steven Hershkowitz estimated that the program will create $3.10 in benefits within five years for every $1 spent on the program. This is due to the social cost of carbon avoided (which includes positive health outcomes from cleaner air), fuel savings from switching from gasoline to electric, and upfront vehicle cost savings now and in three years when leased vehicles enter the used market or are kept by current drivers. This estimate takes into account a key indicator of program success: 89% of rebate recipients say they couldn’t have bought or leased an electric vehicle without the rebate.

    Program success based on savings, easy access and environmental health benefits

    EVs offer a variety of benefits, including more affordable and often more convenient refueling, enhanced performance and reduced emissions. One reason the program has achieved its goal so quickly is the fact that some residents said they dreamt of owning an electric car, but just couldn’t afford it until the program opened. Individuals and households making up to 300% of the federal poverty level qualified for the program, which provided point-of-sale rebates from $2,500 to $9,000, depending on the type of transaction and the terms.

    “Washington helped me realize my dream of owning an electric car,” said one driver from Everett. Another driver from Burien added, “I can’t believe that it was so easy … the rebate was part of that reason why I went for a new car.”

    The speedy convenience of on-the-spot rebates also motivated residents to go electric. One driver said that Washington has the best program in 50 states.

    The program is also achieving its intended goal of increasing access for low-income households. According to program data through September, the average rebate recipient comes from a household making an annual income of $51,200.

    Three out of four rebate recipients who have shared information with Commerce say their monthly transportation costs have gone down, with 42% saying they went down significantly. “I was able to attain a new safe vehicle for less than what I was paying for gas every month,” said a driver from Marysville.

    Commerce’s program team asks customers, “How likely are you to recommend the Washington Electric Vehicle Instant Rebates Program to a friend or colleague? Provide a rating of 0 – 10, zero being not at all likely and 10 being extremely likely.” The average response as of Oct. 18, from 221 respondents, was 9.69 out of 10.

    Ultimately, the program has been an investment in communities and residents who want to make a positive difference. “The program’s focus on making EVs more affordable aligns with my commitment to sustainable transportation. This support encourages more residents to switch to cleaner vehicles, contributing to a greener Washington state,” remarked a Seattle driver.

    Effective program administration through partnership with small businesses

    Many car dealerships are franchise operations run by small businesses. The top performing car dealers participating in the EV Rebate program were located in Auburn, Bellevue, Burien, Puyallup, Renton, Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma.

    “We’re a family-owned business,” said Jim Walen from Seattle Hyundai. “I’m a huge supporter of the program, because it has helped working families purchase EVs. People in WA are generally environmentally conscious, and with more EVs on the road, it will bring down prices. It’s a good thing for all of us.”

    Mark Oliver of Rairdon Automotive Dealerships agrees. “The EV rebate program has been a game-changer for both Rairdon Automotive Dealerships and the local Washington community we serve. It has empowered many residents to make the switch to electric vehicles, helping us meet growing demand and foster a more sustainable future. We’re proud to have been part of a program that makes clean transportation more accessible for everyone.”

    With the EV Rebate program funds fully exhausted, Commerce will seek additional ways to help drivers transition to EVs. Commerce will continue analyzing the rebate program and provide more details to assist legislators in evaluating its potential for future funding.

    New Commerce resources aid access to federal clean energy funds

    Assistance with tax credits, grant writing aim to help more Washington entities take advantage of federal funding

    OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced two new programs that will connect Washington entities with federal clean energy and climate funding opportunities. Supported by the Climate Commitment Act, these resources aim to promote sustainability, boost economic growth, and ensure all communities across the state have equitable access. The Clean Energy Tax Credit Assistance Program and Grant Writing Assistance Program add to Commerce’s ongoing arsenal of resources aimed at bringing federal dollars to Washington for important infrastructure projects.

    “We are in the midst of a generational opportunity to leverage and secure funding from the federal government to support our efforts to build energy resilience and prepare future generations for the impacts of climate change,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong.

    The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (PDF) provide an unprecedented amount of federal investment in clean and renewable energy, transportation electrification infrastructure, energy efficiency and building retrofits, and other activities nationwide to reduce greenhouse gases. Commerce has already secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding and is pursuing more opportunities to support local governments, businesses, nonprofits and economic development agencies to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.

    Fong also highlighted the Commerce Department’s unique role in shaping the state’s economy and its capacity to leverage unprecedented federal funding to invest in our communities. “Washington state will continue to punch above our weight class when it comes to successfully applying for federal funds and the new tools we are launching today will help ensure everyone is aware of the resources and assistance available. These opportunities create jobs, advance environmental justice, and spark innovation as move toward a green economy.”

    The new resources help Washington organizations and communities identify and access federal funding opportunities:

    The Federal Clean Energy Tax Credit Assistance Program (PDF) (CETCAP) is available to to organizations and entities eligible for federal clean energy tax incentives through the Inflation Reduction Act. Free resources, including personalized support from clean energy tax attorneys, are available now for community-based organizations, local government agencies, ports, housing authorities, tribes and other entities. Interested parties should visit Lawyers for Good Government, Commerce’s contracted program partner, to submit a request for assistance.

    The Federal Funds Grant Writing Assistance Program is designed for tribes, community-based organizations, local government agencies, and other entities to help prepare and submit federal grant applications. This free resource is available now and includes grant writing services such as proposal writing and development, proposal design and project management, and partnership coordination, among other services. The program is designed to help Washington meet its clean electricity and greenhouse gas reduction goals using approaches that enhance equity, innovation, economic growth and job creation. Those interested in grant writing assistance can email Commerce’s contracted partner, Hagerty Consulting, to set up an intake session. Visit the Federal Funds Grant Writing Assistance Program to learn more.

    The two new programs follow the recent launch of FundHubWA, a website that serves as a directory to help
    anyone interested in funding for clean energy projects search for programs and
    resources at Commerce and elsewhere.

    FundHubWA connects people and organizations to state and federal clean energy and climate funding opportunities. The user-friendly website, which links to applications and resources, offers individuals, communities and entities easy access to funding opportunities around renewable energy, buildings and infrastructure, energy efficiency, homes, water and natural resources, and other opportunities that drive a clean energy future.

    Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.