Are these free chargers? I assume so since they are pre-paid by tax dollars
The chargers will be free for a certain period of time, maybe a few months. When I talked to the GreenLots representative a few months back, they were still working out the rate structure, but I would expect the cost to be similar to others around the state (e.g., $5-10/QC, $1-$2/hr L2). Also, even when free, you will need the GreenLots App, RFID card, or call their 1-800 number. The Kennewick station was still free last week or so, and it's been open since May. EDIT: GreenLots is also looking for business sponsors for the electrical costs, so if you use a business next to one of the chargers, let them know why you are there, and pass the info on to GreenLots.
The stations are being partially funded by the $150 EV registration fee, the local utilities, and maybe even Energy Northwest (head of EVITA group) and GreenLots. Since Eastern WA has very low EV-density, there is very little incentive (future revenue) for building charging networks and, as such, most commercial networks have focused on EV-rich areas (Seattle, Bay Area, LA, etc.). I think this current 9-location build is to help WSDOT expand the Electric Highway System, essentially looking bigger area wise, not necessarily where the higher density of EV drivers exist. With this Yakima station and one more at Prosser, the older 24 KWh EV models will be able to travel the major interstates (e.g., Seattle-Spokane-Tricities Triangle and Bellingham-Vancouver I-5 corridor). We're still lacking connection to some ocean beaches, several passes (Mt. Rainier, White, 20), some of the Gorge, and most of the remaining rural areas (NE/NC/SE). It's taken 7+ years, but we're finally starting to see a rudimentary DCQC system forming (non-Tesla).
