Thursday, October 1, 2026
The City of Olympia is seeking applications from multifamily property owners interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations through a grant funded program that could cover the full cost of eligible projects.
The city is accepting interest forms from owners of multifamily housing developments with five or more units for consideration under a grant funded by Rocky Mountain Institute and General Motors.
If selected, participating properties could receive up to $25,000 per site to cover the design, planning, engineering and installation of residential Level 2 EV chargers.
In previous presentations, Climate Program Director Pamela Braff said Level 2 chargers operate on 208 volt to 240 volt electrical service. The chargers typically provide about 20 to 40 miles of driving range per hour, allowing most electric vehicles to recharge overnight or during the workday.
She added that Level 2 chargers strike a balance between charging speed, installation cost and electrical infrastructure, making them the preferred option for multifamily housing, workplaces and other destinations where vehicles remain parked for several hours.
Level 1 chargers use a standard 120 volt household outlet and adds only a few miles of driving range per hour.
The faster option, according to Braff, is known as DC fast charging or Level 3, which delivers more power and is designed for quick charging along travel corridors and at commercial charging stations. However, the equipment of the electrical infrastructure is more expensive.
According to the city, the grant may cover 100 percent of eligible project costs up to the funding limit. Property owners would be responsible for any costs exceeding the grant amount. Selected sites would also receive free technical assistance to help plan and complete the installations.
Eligible project sites would be selected at random. However, the city said priority would be given to properties that provide affordable housing, primarily serve renters, or support underserved or vulnerable populations.
Affordable housing includes units with rent restrictions, project-based subsidies, units that accept vouchers from housing authorities, or units available to households earning at or below 80 percent of the area median income.
The city is going to review submitted interest forms to verify eligibility, but noted submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
Property owners interested in participating must submit a completed interest form by July 31. Installations at selected sites are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
For more information, contact Braff at pbraff@ci.olympia.wa.us or 360-753-8249.
3 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
JustSaying
Interesting that the city wants to install EV charging stations at lower income housing, when electric vehicles are more expensive than regular gasoline vehicles. I find that ironic.
Friday, July 3 Report this
TheGreatAnon
EVs are the future for many reasons but I am always leery of giving tax money directly to private entitles.
Monday, July 6 Report this
curtzt
Used EVs are actually not any more expensive than similar used gas cars these days.
Thursday, July 9 Report this