Getting Started
Welcome to the Puget Sound Regional Electric Vehicle (REV) Clearinghouse website. Whether you’re completely new to the world of electric vehicles (EVs) or already a transportation electrification expert, we hope this website will help you advance clean transportation across the Puget Sound region.
Let’s start with ‘Why’
To meet Washington State’s climate goals, we will need 1 million zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) on the road by 2030. Over half of those vehicles will likely be in the Puget Sound region. Currently there are more than 85,000 zero-emission vehicles in King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Regionally, we have seen a 32% increase in EVs in just the past two years, and more are on their way. Major automakers, such as General Motors, Honda, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Volvo, and others have committed to going all-electric or phasing out their gasoline-only vehicles over the next decade.
As EVs become more widely used, they’ll need a place to recharge – either at home, work, or public chargers. Such a drastic change to our region’s transportation system will require a host of strategic coordination, policies, programs, and charging infrastructure to ensure the Puget Sound’s transition to EVs is completed quickly, equitably, and successfully.
OK, now what?
We’ve assembled a (constantly growing) set of EV resources to help you and your organization plan and implement EV-friendly practices. If this is your first time here, we know this all can be overwhelming. So, we’ve created this page with some clear steps to help you get started.
STEP 1: Understand the basics of transportation electrification
If you need to get your bearings, learn what to share to make your case to leadership, or find partners to support you, visit our Electrification Basics webpage. Visit our Contact Directory page to build your network of electrification experts.
STEP 2: Local jurisdiction planning actions
Whether you’re updating your Comprehensive Plan or developing EV-ready ordinances and building codes, we’ve compiled several examples to support your electrification planning journey. For additional information, visit our Policies & Regulations webpage.
STEP 3: Begin coordination early
Talk to Your Utility: Utilities in our region have developed various initiatives with the intent of creating an inclusive and equitable clean energy future, with electrification at the forefront of their strategies. This includes making clean energy technology affordable by providing financial assistance, maintaining equitable access, and ensuring that communities understand both the need for transportation electrification and how they can benefit from it. Start your transportation electrification journey by reaching out to your utility or reviewing our Contact Directory page to find out what additional support, programs, and incentives are available.
Start Cross-departmental Communication: Coordinating across jurisdictional departments is another key element of rolling out any comprehensive electrification strategy. Take stock of all the internal and external departments and organizations that have and interest in electrification in your jurisdiction and get on the same page about your vision, goals and objectives for an electrified future. Consider creating an “Electrification/EV Working Group” with regular meetings to ensure progress is made while maintaining consistent communication. Don’t forget to include external organizations and agencies such as Tribes, Port Authorities, commercial land owners, and others.
Consider Equity and Engage the Community: Importantly, equitable electrification planning always relies on thorough community engagement with the neighborhoods and people who will ultimately rely on this technology for their daily lives. Talk with residents, non-profits, and community groups with an interest in electrification to ensure you introduce the benefits of electrification to all communities in an equitable and transparent way. Additional resources to help engage community and consider equity in your planning decisions can be found on our Equity webpage.
STEP 4: Charging considerations
Electrifying the transportation sector will require unique tools, approach, and partner collaboration. Refer to our Policies & Regulations webpage for additional charging considerations including public fleets, travel corridors, work and public place charging, and residential charging.
STEP 5: Search for the right funding
Understanding the various incentives, rebates, and funding opportunities available can be overwhelming, especially as new opportunities become available. Visit the Funding webpage to learn about federal, state and local funding opportunities to help fund your electrification goals.