Earlier this month, Forth launched our fall 2017 networking event series, monthly events that are hosted in both Seattle and Portland. At our first networking event in Seattle, we highlighted Washington’s expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and invited representatives from the City of Seattle and eluminocity to speak about current projects that will increase the number of charging stations in Seattle.

In July, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) launched a year-long pilot program to install charging stations in the city – the Electric Vehicle Charging in the Public Right-of-Way (EVCROW) program. Guest speaker Evan Corey, SDOT’s New Mobility Program Manager, explained that this program was established as part of Seattle’s Drive Clean Initiative to accelerate transportation electrification and help Seattle reach its goal to be carbon neutral by 2050. The EVCROW program is the first permitting program of its kind in the United States - it will allow the installation of electric car charging stations on public streets. Public charging infrastructure is primarily located in the parking lots of commercial businesses, which is why this program is so unique. Short term charging in high demand locations will be available and parking length will be based on the type of the charging station (Level 2 or DC Fast Charger). Evan explained that the goals of the EVCROW program are to drive electric vehicle adoption, raise public awareness and education, and support the inclusion of electric vehicles in shared mobility. The EVCROW pilot program will be completed in July 2018.

Evan Corey’s presentation can be viewed here: 

Forth was also joined by Mike Rockwood, the U.S. General Manager of eluminocity. eluminocity is a Germany-based start-up firm and partner of BMW Group that created the innovative Light and Charge system, technology that allows electric vehicles to charge at streetlights. Mike explained cities typically spend 40% of their electricity budgets on streetlights, and the Light & Charge System can reduce these costs. This technology uses energy efficient LED lights and connects the streetlights and the attached charging infrastructure to a city’s network. Eventually, using installed sensors, the Light and Charge System will be able to support traffic and parking management by alerting drivers which areas are experiencing high traffic. Earlier this year, three Light & Charge fast chargers were installed in Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, in partnership with ReachNow. This is eluminocity’s first Light and Charge pilot in the U.S., Mike explained, and the company is looking to install 5-7 additional chargers in Seattle by the end of 2017.

Mike Rockwood's presentation can be viewed here: