Charge your electrical vehicle in parking stalls with this "Restricted Active EV Charging” sign. Each site will display a site specific location number.
Beginning Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, all public electric charging stations on campus will require payment through PayByPhone.
Electric vehicle users will be charged a flat fee of $5 per session, with each session lasting two hours. Vehicles are limited to one charging session per day.
Visitors who only use the EV charging station must pay the charging fee but are not required to purchase a separate parking permit. Members of the UW community must also pay the EV charging fee, even if they already have a separate parking permit for the lot.
The new flat fee is being implemented to help recover the cost of electricity, equipment maintenance, and replacement. The change also promotes fair and equitable access to the university’s limited number of EV charging stations and helps prevents misuse. By encouraging efficient use, the policy helps ensure that more EV drivers — including visitors and members of the public — can benefit.
Where to charge
Please see the Electric Vehicle Charging Map for a list of available stations. Only stalls marked with "Restricted Active EV Charging” signs are designated for EV charging. Stalls without this signage are not available for charging, even if they are located near charging stations.
Please note: Charging stations reserved for UCAR or UW vehicles are not available for public use. In addition, the EV chargers in Portage Bay Garage and E12 can only be used by parking permit holders, as access is controlled by gate arms.
How to use the public EV charging station
Follow the directions on the station signage to pay the EV charging fee through PayByPhone. The flat fee of $5 per session applies, regardless of whether you have a UW parking permit. Each session lasts up to two hours, providing an average of 25 miles. You are limited to one session per day.
PayByPhone rules and policies apply 24/7 when charging at EV stations. Violations that may result in a citation:
- Parking at a restricted EV charging station without paying the EV charging fee
- Parking at a restricted EV charging station without being plugged in
- Using an EV charging station cord in a parking stall not designated for EV charging
- Parking a privately-owned vehicle at a charging station marked for UCAR or UW Vehicle use.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Refunds are not available for unused charging fees. It is important to enter your license plate information accurately to avoid the risk of citation. The policies and rules for PayByPhone parking apply.
We cannot guarantee the station you paid for will still be available when you return. No refunds are available for unused charging fees.
We do not recommend paying for EV charging in advance. We cannot guarantee station availability and do not offer refunds for unused charging fees.
Transportation Services experiences high demand for charging and has a limited number of EV stations. To support fair access—especially for drivers with urgent charging needs—each vehicle is limited to one session per day.
If you need additional charging, or have trouble finding an available station, there are many public EV stations available throughout the University District.
Your parking permit covers a space in a regular parking stall, but EV charging stations require additional resources to operate and maintain.
The charging fee helps cover electricity, equipment maintenance and replacement, and ensures the long-term sustainability of the EV program. It also supports fair access to a limited number of charging stalls and discourages misuse.
In addition, the program aligns with the university’s climate and mobility goals by promoting responsible EV use and reducing emissions.
Yes. The EV charging fee is administered separately from all permits and other parking arrangements, including retiree and laureate parking.