Electric Transportation
Power to the people in electric vehicles
Nowadays, more and more people and business are buying electric vehicles (EVs). It’s a proven technology that not only saves on fuel costs, you’re also making a big difference in protecting the environment. The rewards of EV ownership don’t stop there, however. Learn how you can get thousands of dollars in incentives toward your vehicle purchase and the installation of a new fast charger.
All the details on Transportation Electrification for Washington electric customers can be found in the Transportation Electrification (TE) Plan.
The Avista Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Pilot program offered to WA electric customers concluded in June 2019. Through this program, Avista installed 439 EVSE charging ports and successfully met the learning objectives of understanding how Avista can manage and support electric transportation to benefit all customers. View a detailed report of the EVSE pilot.
Avista recognizes a regional network of reliable, cost-effective public charging is needed to support the adoption of EVs, integrated with the local grid to minimize costs and maximize benefits. Working with local stakeholders and community partners including the Spokane Regional Transportation Council, a strategic buildout plan was developed in alignment with guidance from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), industry best practices, and Avista’s Transportation Electrification (TE) Plan.
This buildout plan identifies the strategic installation of over 100 charging sites by 2025, along major travel corridors and within higher population centers in the Inland Northwest, establishing a backbone of reliable charging infrastructure that enables accelerated, beneficial adoption. The list of sites and a dynamic map available here shows the various sites broken down into 5 categories. Sites listed in Washington are planned for construction by 2025, through a combination of grant funding and Avista investments. Avista seeks to support more private investment in public charging and is looking for partners at other sites shown in the buildout plan. If interested, please contact Avista by email at electrictransportation@avistacorp.com.
For a map of existing charging locations and site details, please visit plugshare.com.
If you have any questions please email electrictransportation@avistacorp.com and we will respond to you within two business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit our residential, business, or community pages for information on current programs and incentives. Here you can review details, get connected to information on state or federal incentives, and apply for Avista Programs or contact our team for more information.
The Inflation Reduction Act outlines a number of qualifications for whether or not a vehicle and a purchaser is eligible for a tax credit and the amount of the credit. Eligibility requirements include critical mineral and battery components sourcing locations, vehicle cost, vehicle assembly location, and income caps. Please consult with your auto dealership, vehicle manufacturer, and tax advisor to determine if your purchase will qualify.
If you have a vehicle VIN number, this National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website can be used to determine the manufacturing location of the vehicle.
For more details on eligibility, please review this summary by Plug In America.
Avista has partnered with non-profits to help them gain access to an electric vehicle for their business use and helped to install charging equipment at no cost. Driving electric is equivalent to the $1 per gallon so this transition helps the organization save money that can be used elsewhere to further help their clients.
We also have a goal to have a Level 2 charger installed in every small town in Eastern Washington. This will further build out the infrastructure needed to support electric transportation and be a positive addition to these towns.
If you’re a nonprofit or small municipality interested in learning how we may be able to partner with you, please contact us at electrictransportation@avistacorp.com.
AC Level 1 – provides charging through a normal electrical outlet (120-volt plug). It does not require installation of additional charging equipment. Level 1 charging typically delivers between 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging.
AC Level 2 – provides charging through a 240-volt plug. This does require installation of charging equipment. Level 2 charging typically delivers between 10-20 miles of range per hour of charging.
DC Fast Charge – provides charging through 480-volt plug. This requires specialized high-powered charging equipment. DC Fast Charging can deliver approximately 60-100 miles of range in about 20-30 minutes. This is used in public locations, especially along heavy-traffic corridors. Plug-in hybrids cannot utilize these types of stations.
Current EVs have a range of 80 to over 300 miles on a full charge. The average driver travels about 35 miles a day. While recharging a battery from empty can take 4-24 hours depending on the range and the type of charger used, most charging sessions are only a few hours.
Depending on your needs, we have programs and options available to help you evaluate how long it will take to recharge your personal or fleet vehicle(s), the best charger for your specific needs, and what impact this will have on your electrical bill.
Avista is running a small pilot program for business customers who can separately meter their EV Charging equipment. This will primarily apply to DC Fast Charging equipment or businesses with multiple fleet vehicles. If you have questions, please email us at electrictransporation@avistacorp.com.
Most EV charging can be done overnight. Whenever possible, this is the best time to charge as it utilizes the electric grid in the most efficient way. Vehicle owner’s manuals have instructions for how to program a vehicle to not initiate a charge at specific times of the day. For our EV Charging Programs, this is a requirement to participate.