To accelerate adoption of battery electric vehicles in Washington
RENTON, WA, October 27, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — The Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA), representing 292 franchised new car and truck dealers across Washington, expressed support today for Governor Bob Ferguson’s “ZEVergreen” initiative with specific policy proposals to accelerate adoption of battery electric vehicles in Washington.
“The transition to clean vehicles can only be achieved through state and local investment in charging infrastructure and tax rebates to reduce the cost of these new technology vehicles.” said WSADA Executive Vice President Vicki Giles Fabré.
Washington franchised dealers have EVs to sell and are committed to increasing EV adoption in Washington. Unfortunately, surveys repeatedly show consumers are still hesitant to embrace EVs for a couple key reasons: vehicle cost and “range anxiety” (both as to the availability of and delay for charging). Washington franchised dealers strongly encourage the Legislature to take concrete steps to overcome these obstacles.
COST: New EVs generally cost $10,000 more than similar traditionally powered vehicles.(1) To tackle cost issues, the Legislature should reauthorize the Instant Rebate Program, or exempt EV purchases from state and local sales tax.
CHARGING: The expense of charger installation and lack of sufficient public charging facilities discourage EV ownership. A major EV charging installer reports Washington has only 409 Level 3 fast chargers. (2) Just over 150,000 EVs are registered in Washington – roughly 366 EVs per fast charger. A leading energy data consultant recommends a Level 3 charger for every 141 EVs in the state. (3) This would require at least 1,063 Level 3 chargers in Washington. To meet this need, the Legislature should authorize funding to build out the state’s Level 3 charger network, adding 100 Level 3 chargers per year for five years.
Although many drivers rely on charging away from home, using at-home Level 2 chargers is often the most convenient option (plugs into the same size electrical socket as a dryer or kitchen range). Despite state incentives for multi-family installation and incentives offered by some utilities, installation of a Level 2 charger can easily cost a new EV owner $2,000-$3,000. (4) To offset this cost, especially for low-income consumers, the Legislature should authorize grants to subsidize installation of Level 2 chargers and exempt from state and local sales tax the purchase and installation of Level 2 chargers.
WSADA urges the Legislature to take action to make ZEVergreen a reality, and ensure a cleaner and greener future for all.
The Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) is a nonprofit trade association representing 292 franchised new car and truck dealers in over 60 communities across Washington. WSADA provides compliance and training resources to its members and coordinates grassroots lobbying efforts on important issues impacting franchised new car and truck dealers, their 22,000+ employees, and the consumers they serve.
1. https://mediaroom.kbb.com/2025-04-09-Kelley-Blue-Book-Report-New-Vehicle-Prices-Hold-Steady-in-March-as-Sales-Increase-Ahead-of-Anticipated-Tariff-Driven-Price-Hikes
2. https://qmerit.com/location/washington/
3. https://press.spglobal.com/2023-01-09-EV-Chargers-How-many-do-we-need
4. https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/how-much-does-it-cost-to-charge-an-ev/
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