Submitted by Puget Sound Energy
Puget Sound Energy is responding to the growing demand for electric vehicle charging by opening its fourth public charging station in the greater Puget Sound region. The new station is part of PSE’s ongoing effort toward providing much-needed charging and utility infrastructure and expanding transportation electrification benefits throughout the region.
The new station features two DC fast charging ports and two Level 2 charging ports that can charge almost any type of electric vehicle. PSE partnered with the Olympia Yacht Club to host the station in the club’s parking facility in downtown Olympia. The charging spots will be open 24/7 to all drivers, whether or not they are PSE customers or yacht club members.
“PSE is excited to partner with the Olympia Yacht Club and the City of Olympia on a charging station for the community,” said Josh Jacobs, Vice President of Clean Energy Strategy and Planning at PSE. “The location is central for both residents and travelers through the area, with additional benefits like increased foot-traffic to nearby businesses while drivers charge their vehicles.”
“This beautiful charging station is a collaborative team effort of city leaders, community businesses, and neighbors coming together to make this a reality,” said Olympia Yacht Club Commodore, Lenora Tanaka. “A reality that is now our city asset. When we work together and support each other we get a growth of possibilities. Possibilities our city of Olympia needs.”
The Olympia charging station is PSE’s fourth public charging installation since launching the Up & Go Electric program in 2020. Since, these stations have provided more than 93k kWh to electric vehicle drivers, equating to 9,302 gallons of gasoline saved and more than 91 tons of CO2 avoided.
PSE has opened public charging stations in Lacey, Kent and Bellingham, and plans to open more stations in other counties where infrastructure is needed to help meet customer demand for more charging options. In addition to these public charging stations, EV charging and vehicles incentives are currently offered for multifamily residences, workplaces, fleet businesses and community-based service providers through PSE’s Up & Go Electric programs, alongside educational and outreach efforts ensuring everyone, regardless of income and geographic location, can access the benefits of electric mobility.
Fast and convenient
The station is located in downtown Olympia, easily accessible from I-5 and within walking distance to restaurants and shopping. It features two Level 2 and two DC fast charging ports to accommodate charging by four EVs simultaneously. The DC fast chargers in particular can fully charge an EV in less than an hour.
A greener way to charge
Electricity purchased at the station is matched with 100% renewable energy through our Green Power program, setting our Up & Go Electric public charging station apart from other charging stations as a greener way to charge.
Easy to use
All drivers – not just our customers – can use the Up & Go Electric app to take advantage of simple mobile payment options, monitor their charging session remotely, and more.
This is another step to show how PSE is committed to working together to create a clean energy future for all while setting an aspirational goal to be a Beyond Net Zero Carbon company by 2045. PSE will target reducing carbon emissions to net zero and go beyond by helping other sectors to enable carbon reduction across the state of Washington. Partnering with customers like this helps PSE engage more people in that mission.
Our Up & Go Electric wants to make it as easy as possible for customers to save money and help the environment by accelerating widespread transportation electrification.
To learn more about PSE’s Transportation Electrification Plan, visit the Puget Sound Energy website.