Seattle Electric Vehicle Assocation (SEVA)

Promoting electric vehicles through education, demonstration & advocacy since 1980

Things to Know

  • 2017 Chevy Bolt

When you purchase, lease or convert an Electric Vehicle in Washington State

  • WASHINGTON BUSINESS TAX CREDIT – Washington businesses are eligible to receive tax credits for purchasing new alternative fuel commercial vehicles. Qualified commercial vehicles must be powered primarily by natural gas, propane, hydrogen, dimethyl ether, or electricity.  Tax credit amounts vary based on gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and are up to 50% of the incremental cost, with maximum credit values as follows:
    GVWR Maximum Credit Amount Per Vehicle
    Up to 14,000 pounds (lbs) $5,000
    14,001 to 26,500 lbs $10,000
    Over 26,500 lbs $20,000

    This exemption also applies to qualified used vehicles modified with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-certified aftermarket conversion, as long as the vehicle is being sold for the first time after modification. The converted vehicle must be less than two years old and have an odometer reading of fewer than 30,000 miles. Modified vehicles are eligible for credits equal to 30% of the commercial vehicle conversion cost, up to $25,000.

    Each entity may claim up to $250,000 or credits for 25 vehicles per year. Credits may be earned between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2021. All credits earned must be used in that calendar year or the subsequent year. Tax credits are available on a first-in-time basis and are subject to annual limits of $2 million per weight class.

  • ELECTRICITY AVAILABLE – Make sure you have a regular household 110-volt outlet available to charge your new vehicle at home.  You can use any electrical outlet in a garage or on the exterior of a house. For faster charging, you can install a 220-volt charging station at home.  The 30% federal tax credit expired at the end of 2016.
  • CHARGE ANYWHERE – All production electric vehicles come with a 110-volt adapter for charging at any household electrical outlet. You can plug in wherever you are visiting and top off the battery. Charge your car while you are working, shopping, dining or enjoying entertainment.
  • CONVERSIONS – if you buy a vehicle that has been converted from gasoline to all-electric power, it qualifies for the federal tax credit the first time it is sold (Form 8911 above).
  • USED ELECTRIC VEHICLES – Any purchase of an electric vehicle after initial ownership does not qualify for the federal tax credit or Washington State sales tax exemption.
  • ROAD USAGE CHARGE – In Washington State, electric vehicles pay an annual $150 road usage charge, in lieu of paying gas taxes, to fund road maintenance and construction.  Electric motorcycles also pay this $150 charge but the Seattle Electric Vehicle Association is trying to get this reduced.
  • BATTERIES – The lithium batteries used to power today’s electric vehicles are extremely stable and long-lasting. Most batteries will maintain a viable charge for 8-10 years or more.
  • RANGE – Battery pack size determines your maximum range.  The larger the kWhr capacity of your battery pack, the further you can drive before having to recharge, but also the more your car will cost and the longer it will take to completely recharge your vehicle.  Generally, 1 kWh equates to about 3-4 miles of range for normal driving.  Larger battery packs also require longer to charge for the same type of charger.
  • INSURANCE – Insuring an electric vehicle currently is similar to insuring a gasoline vehicle. Most insurance companies typically do not place any extra premium on insuring EVs. In the future, as EVs are proven safer than most gasoline vehicles, insurance rates may actually go down!
  • FUEL COSTS – How will charging your electric vehicle at home affect your electric bill? That depends on how much your utility company charges per kilowatt-hour of energy. In the Seattle area, the average cost per kilowatt is about 8 cents. Most electric vehicles can travel 3-4 miles per kilowatt-hour of electricity, which equates to 2-3 cents per mile. If you drive 1,000 miles per month, your cost for electricity will be about $20-$30.