EV Chargers
Charge your electric vehicle (EV) while you visit select Library locations. EV chargers are now available for patrons in the Central Library garage and at the Beacon Hill, Broadview, Green Lake, and Rainier Beach branches.
About Our EV Chargers
With support from grant funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA), the Library has installed new EV chargers in the Central Library garage and at the Beacon Hill, Broadview, Green Lake, and Rainier Beach branches. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
Using Our EV Chargers
EV charging station spaces are reserved for patrons while they are using the Library and while they are charging their EVs.
ADA EV charging stations are reserved under these same two conditions for patrons who also have appropriately documented accessibility needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of EV chargers does the Library have?
The Central Library has both Level 3 chargers (rated for 100kW per hour) and Level 2 chargers (rated at 6.6 kW per hour). The branches have only Level 2 chargers. Please keep in mind that it may take hours for Level 2 chargers to fully charge an EV.
What are the rates for the EV chargers?
Use of the Library’s EV chargers costs $0.21 per kWh, which is the same rate the City of Seattle is charging through its own EV charging network throughout the city. This rate will not generate a profit for the Library, and will only partially cover the cost of electricity, processing fees, and administration of the EV chargers.
How were the EV chargers funded?
The EV chargers were funded in part by the Washington State Department of Commerce with a grant through Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, which aims to provide additional EV charging stations to community gathering places and underserved communities. The Library also provided funding for the installation of the EV chargers and will be responsible for their ongoing upkeep and maintenance costs.
Why were these Library locations chosen for EV chargers?
The Library selected branches that were geographically spread across Seattle and that had parking lots large enough to convert standard parking spaces to EV charger spaces.
What happens if an EV charger is damaged or not working?
If you notice that an EV charger has been damaged or is not functioning properly, please inform Library staff so they can get it repaired.