ISSAQUAH, Wash. – Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and the City of Issaquah have partnered to bring multiple pole-mounted electric vehicle (EV) chargers to residents and visitors.
This continues PSE’s expansion of the Up & Go Electric program, created to provide charging and utility infrastructure to advance the market’s transformation to electrified transportation.
Working with the city to gather input from community members, PSE installed its first pole charger near the entrance to the East Sunset Way Trailhead, which opened on July 2.
This location, just off of I-90, provides a great place for customers to charge while hiking or enjoying nature.
Unlike traditional charging stations, pole-mounted chargers are attached to streetlights and utility poles, increasing the number of locations where they can be installed. The new charger has retractable cords, which lower upon payment, so they keep the chargers out of the way of pedestrians while remaining easily accessible.
This Level 2 charger will be available 24/7 for all EV drivers and can add up to 25 miles of range to an EV battery per hour of charging.
“PSE is excited to partner with the City of Issaquah to launch the first of many Up & Go Electric for Public Pole Charging stations to ensure all residents have access to easy, convenient electric vehicle charging near where they live, work and play,” said PSE Manager of New Products & Services Malcom McCulloch.
“Whether it’s a visitor charging while hiking on the trails or a resident who doesn’t have access to charging at home, this station helps make clean transportation possible for more people,” said Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly. “We’re proud to be the first city to partner with Puget Sound Energy on this kind of project, and it’s a meaningful step toward reaching our climate goals and creating a healthier future for everyone.”
PSE encourages drivers to download the EV Connect app for easy access to charging at the station.
The City of Issaquah and PSE are working together on installing more chargers throughout the city to ensure that clean transportation options are within reach for everyone in our communities—more will be announced soon. Learn more about Up & Go Electric for Public Pole Charging here.
