Electrification of Transportation

Project Overview

This two-phase project installed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout Bellingham to improve the availability of EV charging and help Bellingham make progress on its climate action goals.

In total, this project installed 90 new EV plugs at 26 different locations across Bellingham on City-owned properties and public rights-of-way near destinations, workplaces, and multifamily residential areas. The project includes standard Level 2 chargers, DC fast chargers, and solar-powered chargers. Existing parking stalls were converted to electric vehicle charging only stalls.

Project Status – Complete as of Spring 2025

All chargers have been installed and are operational.

Electric vehicle charger with big solar panel array above it at a park. A city vehicle is plugged into one of the chargers.
Electric vehicle chargers at Squalicum Creek Park, including a solar-powered charger.

Phase 2 of the project began in Spring 2024 and wrapped up in Spring 2025. See Phase 2 Charging Stations Locations map.

Phase 1 construction wrapped up in 2023 and installed charging stations at Taylor Dock, Shuksan Meadows, Fairhaven Park, City Hall, Cornwall Park, and the Federal Building downtown. See Phase 1 Charging Stations Locations map.

More Information

Phase 1 Stations – Construction complete in 2023

Station LocationStatus
Shuksan MeadowsInstalled, Active
Taylor Dock Installed, Active
Fairhaven ParkInstalled, Active
City Hall (City use only)Installed, Active
Federal Building (104 W Magnolia)Installed, Active
Cornwall ParkInstalled, Active

Phase 2 Stations – Construction complete in spring 2025

Station LocationStatus
Civic Field (solar and non-solar Level 2)Installed, Active
Civic Field (Level 3)Installed, Active
Squalicum Creek Park (solar and non-solar Level 2)Installed, Active
Cordata Park Phase 2 (solar Level 2)Installed, Active
Lake Padden Park (solar Level 2)Installed, Active
1500 Railroad – WTA Downtown Station (Level 2)Installed, Active
Depot Market (Level 2) Installed, Active
Fairhaven Village Green (Level 2)Installed, Active
City Operations Building on Carolina Street (Level 2)Installed, Active
City Operations Building on Carolina Street (Level 3)Installed, Active
Fire Station #1 (City use only) (Level 2)Installed, Active
Police Station (Level 2)Installed, Active
Post Point (Level 2)Installed, Active
WTA Station – Cordata (Level 2) Installed, Active
WTA Station – Cordata (Level 3) Installed, Active
Harris Avenue (Level 2)Installed, Active
Barkley Village – Manning Street (Level 2)Installed, Active
Sunset Pond Park (Level 2) Installed, Active
Bloedel Donovan Park (Level 2)Installed, Active
Laurel Street – Downtown Waterfront (Level 2)Installed, Active
Boulevard Park (Level 2) Installed, Active
Parking Pit (City vehicle and City/County employee use only) (Level 2)Installed, Active
Employee Parking Lot (City vehicle and City/County employee use only) (Level 2)Installed, Active

Click on the map to open a larger version.

In early 2021, the City of Bellingham received a $1.5 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to be used towards installing new EV infrastructure across Bellingham. The City is contributing additional funds from its voter-approved Transportation Fund, bringing the total investment to more than $4 million.

  • March 25, 2024 – City Council awarded the construction contract for Phase 2 to Summit Construction Group, Inc.
  • October 24, 2022 – City staff presented a proposed ordinance and resolution to City Council regarding electric vehicle charging rates at City-owned charging stations. Presentation recording begins at 1:08:10.
  • November 21, 2022 – City Council approved actions to establish a legal framework for City-owned electric vehicle charging stations and update EV charging rates.

Contact

General inquiries: AskPW@cob.org

Freeman Anthony, P.E.
Phone: (360) 778-7924
Email: fanthony@cob.org

Media inquiries: pwmedia@cob.org

Participating Departments

Affected Neighborhoods

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