← Seattle charger install cost
Before you buy an EV: home charging cost in Seattle, WA
Short answer: Charging a typical EV at home in Seattle costs about $346/yr at the WA average residential price of 14.63¢/kWh (2,363 kWh × 14.63¢/kWh = $346/yr). On Seattle City Light's Time of Use Rate off-peak rate it is $190/yr.
Last updated:
Install cost (national range)
$749–$2,500 (typical standard install about $1,700); a panel upgrade adds $1,500–$3,000. Source: Qmerit – How much does Level 2 EV charger installation cost? (national) (accessed 2026-10-25). Panel upgrade details for Seattle.
Estimated annual charging cost
2,363 kWh × 14.63¢/kWh = $346/yr
- 2,363 kWh per year: average annual household electricity use for EV charging in U.S. homes with EVs (2020). Source: U.S. DOE Vehicle Technologies Office, Fact of the Week #1307 (Sept 11, 2023), citing EIA 2020 RECS (accessed 2026-10-25).
- WA average residential price 14.63¢/kWh. Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential, August 2026, preliminary; released Oct 23, 2026) (accessed 2026-10-25).
This is a statewide average for one month (preliminary), not your utility's tariff. It excludes fixed charges and taxes. The kWh figure is a 2020 household average, not your car or mileage.
Time-of-use / EV rate
| Utility and plan | Seattle City Light: Time of Use Rate |
|---|---|
| Off-peak rate | 8.05¢/kWh (Off-peak: midnight–6 a.m. every day) |
| Notes | Seattle rate; base service charge $0.3945/day. |
| Annual EV energy at off-peak | $190/yr (2,363 kWh × 8.05¢/kWh) |
| Savings vs. state average price | about $155/yr Math: 2,363 kWh × (14.63¢ − 8.05¢) = $155. Compared with the EIA WA average, not with Seattle City Light's standard plan; fixed charges excluded. |
| Source | Seattle City Light – Time of Use Rate (accessed 2026-10-25) |
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in Seattle?
2,363 kWh × 14.63¢/kWh = $346/yr (EIA WA average residential price; 2,363 kWh/yr DOE household average).
Is there an EV time-of-use rate in Seattle?
Seattle City Light: Time of Use Rate, off-peak 8.05¢/kWh (Off-peak: midnight–6 a.m. every day).
How much does a home charger install cost?
$749–$2,500 (typical standard install about $1,700); a panel upgrade adds $1,500–$3,000 (national).
Is the federal 30C charger tax credit still available?
The federal EV charger credit (section 30C) is not allowed for any property placed in service after June 30, 2026.
Last updated: Oct 25, 2026. Methodology