Electric Vehicles On The Rise In Washington State

Electric cars are on the rise. Since January, one in six new cars sold in Washington has been able to plug into an outlet. According to the Electric Power Research Institute, electric cars and plug-in hybrids sold almost twice as quickly in Washington State during the first five months of 2023 as they did nationwide. Electric automobiles were few on Washington State’s car dealer lots in 2022. But, that has changed.

Clean air and less reliance on foreign oil are beginning to see the light of day, finally. The availability of zero-emission vehicles has increased as the state tries to break its century-long dependence on fuel and contribute to maintaining a habitable climate. Data shows that only a year ago, Washington drivers were left in the lurch as manufacturers of electric vehicles switched their green vehicles to jurisdictions like California that offered more incentives.

Only California and Washington, D.C., according to the Washington Department of Ecology, have higher adoption rates for electric vehicles than Washington State. Yet, in Washington, the number of electric vehicle sales has doubled in the last two years. According to Rachel Gantz with the Electric Power Research Institute, the clean cars have been most popular in San Juan County (25% of new-car purchases to date in 2023) and King County (23%).

The Washington Department of Ecology updated its zero-emission vehicle program late last year to be consistent with other states’ schemes by giving automakers “early action” points for sales of electric vehicles beginning with the model year 2023 rather than waiting until 2025. That encourages more manufacturers to provide eligible cars more quickly.

Washington State is close to meeting its goal of requiring the sale of 35% of model-year 2026 automobiles that are emissions-free. The state is half way there. As reported previously in The Seattle Medium, in Washington, all brand-new vehicles must have zero tailpipe emissions by 2035. However, there is a lack of charging stations. Some EV drivers are unhappy about the inconveniences associated with charging away from home.

Washington State now offers the following incentives for electric vehicle use:

– Credits for federal income taxes

New cars: Depending on the model, up to $7,500. On used autos selling for $25,000 or less, you can receive up to $4,000. Beginning in 2024, customers can get this incentive as a point-of-sale rebate rather than having to itemize their tax deductions. Exemption from Washington state sales tax

– Up until July 31st, new car purchases up to $20,000 are exempt from sales tax; after that date, the exemption drops to $15,000 per vehicle.

– Sales tax can be waived on used cars for up to $16,000 of the purchase price.