Quasi 1 su 5 nuove auto registrate nello stato di Washington lo scorso anno erano veicoli elettrici o ibridi plug-in

Washington State Leads the Way in Electric Car Adoption

Recent data reveals a significant increase in the adoption of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in Washington state.
In 2023, 19% of new cars registered in the state were electric, almost double the national average.
This marks a notable increase from the 13% recorded in 2022, positioning Washington just behind California, where low-carbon car sales reached nearly 26%.

The Rise of Electric Vehicles in the US

A report by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation highlighted that 112 models of EVs and plug-in hybrids were sold across the country in the same period.
When considering both new and used vehicle registrations, Washington state currently boasts over 173,000 low-carbon vehicles, according to data from the Department of Licensing.

While the numbers are promising, experts warn of a global slowdown in the electric vehicle market.
Factors such as lagging Tesla sales domestically and the shift in focus from certain automakers like GM and Ford away from EV manufacturing are contributing to this deceleration.

Washington’s Commitment to Zero Emissions

Following California’s example, Washington has set ambitious goals for the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
By 2035, all new vehicles sold in the state must be devoid of carbon emissions, including passenger cars, light-duty vehicles, and larger vehicles like pick-up trucks and SUVs.
This transition will be gradual, with an 8% sales target for 2025 vehicle models already surpassed by the state.

Joel Creswell, from the Ecology Department, noted the significant progress: “Momentum for zero-emission cars and trucks has been slowly building for years.
2023 was the year when all the pieces fell into place, and Washington car buyers demonstrated their readiness to make the switch from the gas pump to the electric plug.”

To support this shift, investments from the Climate Commitment Act and federal funding are being utilized to enhance the EV charging infrastructure across Washington.
However, challenges persist, as an upcoming ballot initiative, I-2117, could impact these efforts by potentially altering the funding mechanisms for carbon emissions programs in the state.