EV charging on the Olympic Peninsula

Most EV drivers today charge their vehicles at home and only occasionally use charging stations when they are taking longer trips.  The Olympic Peninsula is one of those wonderful destinations and we welcome visitors.

EV drivers use one or more apps that show nearby charging locations.  These include the Plug Share app, Chargeway app, Electrify America, Blink, EVgo, Chargepoint, and Tesla.

Scroll down to see a PlugShare map showing charging stations in northwest Washington.  When accessing the map from the Plugshare app or website, click on a charging icon to see the charging capability (Level 2 chargers (green below, DCFast chargers and Tesla superchargers (orange below)) and the ratings from other users.

There are more than 1,700 Tesla Supercharger locations in the United States as of June 2023, along with more than 3,900 destination charger locations (at hotels, restaurants and parking garages). Tesla is in the process of testing and open the network to other EVs. 

Level 3 DC fast charging stations and Level 2 charging stations are currently being installed at the Visitors Center (on Sims Way, Port Townsend) in Jefferson County (utilizing available grants).  Stay tuned – this webpage will be updated as this charging network develops.

More on EV Charging

Here are the available charging options:

AC Level I – Slow charging speed usually between 3-5 miles of range per hour charging time. This involves plugging the vehicle into a typical 120-volt AC outlet, and can typically use any indoor or outdoor grounded (3-pronged) electrical outlet. A full charge may take up to 24 hours. This (plugging in at home) is the most common method of charging for EV owners.

AC Level 2 – Medium charging speed of about 10-60 miles of range per hour charging time. Level 2 charging utilizes 240 volts, similar to an electric clothes dryer. Consider installing a Level 2 charging station in your garage or outside your home. In addition, many public facilities such as parking garages, malls, retail stores, public buildings, hotels, park-and-rides and large employers have Level 2 charging stations available.

DC Level 3 – “Fast charging,” or “Supercharging” uses 440-480 Volts and takes less than an hour to fully charge. Level 3 chargers can be found on major highways and a few other locations. Fast charging requires specialized, high-powered charging equipment and special equipment in the vehicle itself. DC Fast-Charging can deliver an 80% battery charge or 60 to 100 miles of range for most EV models in about 10-30 minutes of charging. This format is often used in public charging stations, especially along heavy traffic corridors. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles typically do not have fast charging capabilities.

Consider Installing a Level 2 (240V) Electric Vehicle Charger

Thanks to Opalco for their information on Federal tax incentives, including for EV chargers.

Please note that Opalco electric utility incentives do not apply to Jefferson PUD customers. Please see Jefferson PUD rebate program for Level 2 EV Chargers:
https://www.jeffpud.org/rebates/