Research Brief
How Seattle City Light can support private investment in charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles
To support the development of its long-term charging infrastructure strategy, Seattle City Light, the municipal electric utility for Seattle, Washington, asked the ICCT to identify additional steps the utility could take to support private investment in charging infrastructure. This brief summarizes the ICCT’s observations based on discussions with stakeholders and evaluation of other utilities’ electrification programs and incentives.
The brief identifies three strategies for Seattle City Light to consider to attract private investment:
- Enhance customer experience by developing internal expertise to improve the efficiency and transparency of the energization process;
- Proactively invest in expanding grid capacity, especially in areas where commercial fleets are expected to electrify, to enable timely connections for depots and charging hubs; and
- Offer new incentives and support programs that are informed by customer preferences.
Seattle City Light can greatly influence the pace of transportation electrification in Seattle. The solutions above can help the utility attract private investors in charging infrastructure by strengthening its ability to meet the needs and timelines of electrifying fleets and charging infrastructure providers.