NEW REPORT: Washington leads nation on EVs, lags on solar power

SEATTLE – Washington has seen strong growth in electric vehicle registrations and charging ports since 2015, ranking 4th and 6th in the nation respectively, according to the State of Renewable Energy 2025 online dashboard released on Wednesday by Environment Washington Research & Policy Center. However, the Evergreen State lags behind for growth in solar power and battery storage, ranking 36th and 33rd respectively, since 2015.

The dashboard documents the growth of six key clean energy technologies across the United States over the past decade: solar power, wind power, battery storage, energy efficiency, electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations. 

The analysis comes as some members of Congress consider whether to keep in place clean energy tax credits that put renewable energy within reach of more American families. 

“When it comes to the growth of renewable energy, the Evergreen State is a mixed bag,” said Celeste Meiffren-Swango, senior advisor of Environment Washington Research & Policy Center. “Washington’s progress on increasing electric vehicle adoption should give us the confidence to move up a gear and advance other renewable energy technologies too.” 

Washington has seen a nearly 19-fold increase in the amount of electricity it gets from the sun since 2015, but ranks in the bottom half of the nation (36th) for growth in solar power generation over that span. As of 2024, Washington was home to 0.01 Megawatts of battery storage capacity, a value that has stayed unchanged since 2016. This lags behind the 89-fold increase in battery storage capacity since 2015. 

Policies, combined with improving technologies and falling prices, have played a key role in driving renewable energy adoption, according to the report. For example, Washington’s tax rebate program for purchasers of electric vehicles reported a 30% increase in vehicle sales during the program’s active period in 2024, vaulting Washington to 1st in the nation for electric vehicle growth during that short span.

According to the report, America produced more than three times as much renewable electricity from the sun and the wind in 2024 as in 2015. 

The authors recommend that Congress keep in place federal clean energy tax credits that allow more Americans to choose clean energy. They also encourage lawmakers and regulators to adopt policies for permitting and interconnection that make adopting clean energy technologies hassle-free. 

“When we reduce energy waste and replace polluting energy sources with renewables, we’re building a safer, healthier world for ourselves and future generations,” added Meiffren-Swango. “Now is the time to let more Americans choose clean energy, not make it harder for them.”