Seattle City Light and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) announced on October 13, 2026 that they will install up to 200 new curbside Level 2 charging stations by 2030. Residents can now apply to request a charger near their home or apartment, and applications stay open through fall 2027. The work is paid for by the voter-approved Seattle Transportation Levy.
Key Takeaways
- Seattle plans up to 200 curbside Level 2 stations by 2030.
- Residents can request a charger near home until fall 2027.
- Installations will roll out from fall 2027 through 2030.
- Priority goes to neighborhoods with few charging options and little off-street parking.
Key Figures
- Up to 200 curbside Level 2 stations by 2030.
- 31 locations in the 2023–2024 pilot, which the city says saw high usage.
- About 1 in 4 newly registered vehicles in the greater Seattle area are EVs.
- Level 2 adds roughly 12–30 miles of range per hour, according to the city.
Timeline
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Requests open | Fall 2026 – fall 2027 |
| Locations selected | January 2027 – fall 2027 |
| Design and permitting | From spring 2027 |
| Installation | Rolling, fall 2027 – 2030 |
The city will favor neighborhoods with the fewest charging options and the greatest need, especially areas where residents lack off-street parking. Each location must also meet technical requirements, including access to power. City Light plans to fund curbside chargers in other parts of its service area, such as Burien, SeaTac, Shoreline and Tukwila, from its own transportation electrification budget. Separate levy funds will add charging at parks, community centers and libraries.
What It Means
Curbside charging is becoming a practical tool for renters and street-parking households, and Seattle is scaling it up after its own 2023–2024 pilot. Because sites are chosen by request and by grid fit, the program will reward neighborhoods that organize and apply early. For installers and electrical contractors, the 2027–2030 build period means steady, small-site work with utility coordination at every location. Hardware for such programs is usually procured by the utility; suppliers can review our commercial charging solutions and our distributor program for regional partnerships.
Related Reading
- EV Charging News: New South Wales Offers A$16.5 Million for Kerbside and Fleet Chargers
- How to Charge an EV When You Live in an Apartment
- How to Use a Public EV Charger (and How to Stop It)
