The Washington State Department of Transportation said it has awarded more than $12 million in federal funding to improve electric vehicle charging station access across the state.
Part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, the $12.16 million will be awarded to five companies to build 14 new electric vehicle charging stations along I-90, US 97, US 195, and US 395.
“These projects fill key gaps in the state’s highway EV charging network and will make electric vehicle travel even more convenient,” Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith said. “We’re pleased to invest these federal funds with companies that will now build, operate and maintain these charging stations.”
Recipients of the NEVI Round 1 grants include Electric Era, Energy Northwest, EV Gateway, EVgo, and Tesla. Between the five companies, they will build charging stations within the next 2 years near Cle Elum, Ellensburg, George, Issaquah, Moses Lake, North Bend, Ritzville, Veradale, Goldendale, Toppenish, Colfax, Pullman, Colville and Deer Park.
The goal of the grants is to meet consumer needs for EV charging, provide seamless charging along I-90, expand the state’s EV footprint and allow EV drivers more charging capability.
NEVI awards were paused by the federal government in 2025. WSDOT’s plan was reinstated in July after a preliminary court injunction brought by several states. In that case, a federal judge ruled in favor of the states and concluded that the federal funds had been unlawfully withheld.