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Seattle Adds 16 New EV Charging Stations

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 19:05 GMT by KIRO-TV

Seattle, WA - January 10th, 2026 - Seattle continues its commitment to sustainable transportation with the unveiling of 16 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the Seattle Municipal Tower's public parking garage. The expansion, announced Thursday by Mayor Bruce Harrell and City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, significantly boosts the city's downtown EV charging infrastructure, signaling a tangible effort to encourage electric vehicle adoption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The installation represents a key milestone in Seattle's broader strategy to transition toward a greener future. The city has long recognized the need to make electric vehicle ownership more accessible and convenient for both residents and visitors. While incentives and awareness campaigns have played a role, the lack of readily available charging infrastructure has consistently been cited as a barrier to wider EV adoption. This new installation directly addresses that challenge.

"This is a huge investment in our sustainable transportation future," stated Mayor Harrell during the unveiling ceremony. His comments underscored the city's long-term vision and the crucial role that accessible charging plays in achieving those goals. Councilmember Herbold echoed this sentiment, adding, "As we move toward a greener, more sustainable Seattle, these EV chargers will be instrumental in supporting EV owners and visitors."

Funding and Future Expansion

The project's funding demonstrates a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal entities. The chargers were financed through a combination of state and federal grants, highlighting the growing national priority of fostering electric vehicle infrastructure. Specific details on the grant allocation were not immediately released, but officials confirmed that securing these funds was a critical step in making the project a reality. The city's success in securing this funding also positions Seattle favorably for future applications for similar EV infrastructure projects.

Beyond the immediate benefit of the 16 new chargers, the initiative underscores Seattle's long-term planning for electric vehicle integration. While this expansion is significant, it's likely just the first of many. Experts predict a sharp increase in EV ownership over the next decade, driven by declining battery costs, improved vehicle range, and increasing consumer awareness. Seattle's proactive investment in charging infrastructure now ensures the city can accommodate this anticipated growth.

"We're not stopping here," a city spokesperson stated. "This expansion is a foundational step. We're actively evaluating locations for additional charging stations throughout the city, with a focus on underserved communities and areas with high traffic density." Several proposals are currently under review, including incorporating charging stations into new construction projects and retrofitting existing public spaces.

Impact on Seattle's Sustainability Goals

The expansion directly contributes to Seattle's ambitious sustainability goals. The city has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050, and the increased availability of EV charging is considered a vital component of achieving that target. By encouraging a shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles, the city hopes to significantly decrease its carbon footprint and improve air quality.

Furthermore, the increased charging capacity addresses a growing demand. While EV adoption rates have steadily risen in recent years, the existing charging infrastructure has often struggled to keep pace, leading to wait times and frustration for EV owners. The new charging stations at Seattle Municipal Tower will alleviate some of that pressure, making EV ownership a more convenient and attractive option for a wider range of residents and visitors. The city is also exploring strategies to manage charger utilization and ensure equitable access across different user groups.

The availability of these chargers is open to the public, further facilitating the accessibility of electric vehicle use in Seattle's downtown core. The city is committed to monitoring the usage of the chargers and gathering data to inform future expansion plans.