The directive from RCW 43.392.040(1)(a) is aimed to help advance our state’s market and infrastructure readiness to support all new electric vehicle sales. The Washington EV Council has developed a statewide Transportation Electrification Strategy (TES) intended to ensure electric vehicle incentives and infrastructure are accessible and available to all people in Washington.
In early 2023, the EV Council gathered input from a wide range of Washington residents—drivers and non-drivers, members of communities large and small—who represent the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives that make up our evergreen state. In partnership with industry and community members across the state, the EV Council and its contracting team developed the TES to help the transportation sector reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in accordance with the state’s GHG reduction goals, achieving a cleaner future for Washington.
After considering extensive public input provided on the draft TES and as a result of the work of multiple state agencies, the EV Council adopted the TES at its November 30, 2023 meeting. The EV Council delivered a TES summary and action plan to the Washington Legislature on January 2, 2024, for its consideration.
On February 6, 2024, the final TES was delivered to the Legislature. This comprehensive report includes recommended actions the state can take this year and beyond to ensure the benefits of driving electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and market incentives are accessible and available to all Washingtonians.
- Transportation Electrification Strategy (TES) Full Report (PDF)
- TES Summary and Action Plan (PDF) Includes Education and Engagement Plans
- EV Council 2023 Annual Report (PDF)
In addition, the TES dashboard (on Tableau) shows estimated electric vehicles, charging plugs, and emissions at the state and local level through 2035.
What does this process look like?
Public input and feedback have been requested throughout strategy development. Early in 2023, the EV Council began gathering community input and feedback to identify and confirm which broad actions and goals should be prioritized in the TES. We then examined these priorities, identified what was missing and addressed those gaps. The EV Council also hosted a series of policy-focused task force meetings and equity workshops to inform the draft strategies.
Public involvement opportunities were designed and promoted to include a broad range of Washingtonians. Events were tailored to specific geographies, community sectors, and demographics to make sure that under-represented viewpoints were considered and addressed.
Public Comment Period
The EV Council collected written public comments between October 2 and October 30, 2023 with a public comment session at its October 11, 2023 regular meeting. You can watch the recording of the public comment session on TVW.org. Additionally, the EV Council Advisory Committee gave comments at its monthly meeting on October 18, 2023. You can watch the recording of the Advisory Committee meeting on TVW.org. Public feedback informed revisions to the TES before the completed version was delivered to the Legislature.
How can I get involved?
The EV Council website has information about upcoming public meetings of both the Council itself and its Advisory Committee. There you can also find recordings, slide presentations, and other materials from past meetings.
Subscribe to the EV Council email list to get connected and identify ways that transportation electrification can make your community better by improving access and safety for cyclists and pedestrians, protecting air and water quality, minimizing traffic noise and fumes, and reducing the overall cost of transportation for everyone. We invite broad public participation to ensure transportation electrification will reflect the needs and preferences of all Washingtonians
Note: In-language and other accessible participation options may be available for some events. Please contact the TES engagement team at CleanTransportation@Commerce.wa.gov to learn more.
Resources
- Chapter 43.392.040 RCW
- Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act
- Frequent Transit Access Study
- State VMT Reduction Study (PDF)
- Electrification of Transportation Systems Grant Fund
- Interagency Electric Vehicle Coordinating Council
- Department of Commerce (Co-lead)
- Department of Transportation (Co-lead)
- Utilities and Transportation Commission (Executive Committee Member)
- Department of Ecology (Executive Committee Member)
- Department of Enterprise Services (Executive Committee Member)
- Department of Health
- State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP) Office
- Office of Financial Management
- Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction
- Department of Agriculture
Partners
- EV Council Advisory Committee
- TES Working Groups