The Wenatchee is WA State's first converted ferry, designed to run on electric power, but still has two diesel engines.

The ferry was pulled out of service, again

The Wenatchee, a 30-year-old vessel that can carry up to 202 vehicles and appropriate passengers, was the first of a series of EV conversions by the Department of Transportation. Two of its four diesel engines were removed and replaced by electric motors.

The diesels serve as a backup, and are also used to help recharge the massive batteries carried by the vessel. The conversion took nearly 2 years longer than planned and was $32-36 million dollars over budget.

In July, the Wenatchee finally began service on the busiest route in the state, Seattle-to-Bainbridge Island. But in August, and again in October, it had to be pu

See Full Page