OLYMPIA –Washington is preparing to launch a $120 million incentive program designed to help commercial fleets transition to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, though lawmakers say the rollout is running months behind schedule.
The Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program (WAZIP), expected to launch by spring 2026, will offer purchase vouchers for trucks, off-road equipment, and charging infrastructure. Additional incentives will be available for small, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses.
State officials say transportation remains Washington’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, with heavy-duty trucks contributing a disproportionate share. High upfront costs and limited infrastructure continue to be major barriers to adoption, with some Class 8 electric trucks priced at nearly $600,000.
WAZIP is funded through the state’s carbon auction proceeds and is modeled after a similar program in California that lawmakers consider successful.
State legislators say the delays have been frustrating. Transportation officials, meanwhile, cite the need to build custom systems and meet compliance standards before the program can launch. A final start date has not yet been announced.