The City of Seattle and Seattle City Light have made supporting transportation electrification a core priority for the years ahead. Although still nascent, ZE-MHDVs have the potential to be a significant source of new load for City Light because fleets serving the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma are expected to electrify over the next 10–15 years. This brief “How Seattle City Light can support private investment in charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles” published by International Council On Clean Transportation assesses existing strategic plans guiding City Light’s approach to transportation electrification.
Three strategies for City Light to consider to attract private investment:
1. Enhance customer experience by developing internal expertise to improve the efficiency and transparency of the energization process;
2. 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
3. Offer new incentives and support programs that are informed by customer preferences.
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.
Access the brief here