Seattle City Light this week announced five new utility-owned electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Tukwila – the first public infrastructure site the utility has opened outside of Seattle city limits.
The publicly accessible stations are part of a utility initiative to deliver community-focused transportation electrification solutions that meet customer needs, reduce carbon emissions and air pollution.
Located at 13050 Interurban Ave. S., at the intersection of Interstate 5 and State Route 599 (map below), the site includes four EV fast chargers and one Level 2 charger. Each fast charger can provide up to 150 kilowatts (kW) and has both CHAdeMO and CCS1 charge plugs compatible with most fast-charge EVs. The station also includes a 16.8 kW Level 2 charger that works for all EVs, including those not equipped with a quick-charge port.
“The newly available chargers will provide greater access to charging infrastructure for EV drivers in the Tukwila area. Located at the intersection of major highways and roads, the site addresses a significant gap in access to public EV fast charging south of downtown Seattle,” said David Logsdon, City Light’s electrification and strategic technology director. “Vehicle tailpipe emissions disproportionally impact the Duwamish Valley, and this transition toward electrified transportation helps reduce these emissions.”
Charging fees will vary depending on the time of day and charger type. Customers will be charged $0.35 or $0.21 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at a Tukwila EV charger.
In 2018, City Light installed its first EV charging station in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. The utility installed additional chargers in several Seattle areas, including SODO (2019), Madison-Miller, Alaska-Junction and Magnuson Park (2020; see more info on these stations). City Light continues to evaluate new sites as potential EV charging locations in the utility’s service area.
To learn more about City Light’s EV programs and initiatives, visit seattle.gov/city-light/residential-services/home-energy-solutions/electric-vehicles.
