Abstract:

The electrification of Class 4-8 medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) is projected to accelerate through 2040 due to reduced costs, improved technology performance, and a favorable policy landscape. Seattle City Light (SCL), the municipal electric utility of Seattle, Washington, is responsible for ensuring that there is sufficient infrastructure and grid capacity to meet the future energy requirements of transportation electrification in the Seattle area.

This report serves to inform the development of SCL’s charging infrastructure strategy as it plans for upcoming MHDV electrification. Key players expected to lead the surge in electrification are Seattle’s main bus transit provider, King County Metro, and the robust local freight and distribution network serving the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma. The researchers incorporate local vehicle activity data and other information specific to the Seattle area to determine future charging needs within the SCL service territory from 2025 through 2040.