Due to be operational by the end of November, the nine charging stations form the first part of a proposed West Coast Green Highway, which will offer a network of similar facilities stretching 1,350 miles along the I-5 from Canada to Mexico.

Washington’s stations will be installed every 40-60 miles along stretches between the Canadian border and Everett on the I-5, covering 276 miles. Manufactured, supplied and installed by AeroVironment, they will feature fast and medium-speed charging points and be placed at malls, fuel stations and travel centres with easy access to the highway.

Further stations between Olympia and the Oregon border will be funded by a US Department of Energy scheme, which also includes installing home and public charging points across six counties, including Washington, Oregon and California.