About EV charging

Benefits of EV charging stations

With the increase in EV ownership, EV charging is becoming an important necessity for every multi-family property and workplace. Installing EV charging ports help property owners:

  • Enhance property value
  • Attract and retain tenants
  • Achieve sustainability goals
  • Help reach California’s target of 100% greenhouse gas free by 2045
  • Be a leader in the community
 

There are several types of EV charging ports: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.

Level 1 charging

Level 1 chargers use a standard 120-volt outlet like those in all homes. EVs come with a charging  cord for a standard outlet.

Power: 120-volt
Miles: 40-50
Time: 10 hour

Level 1 use case
Level 1 is the lowest cost charging solution and is best used for
long dwell charging, either at home overnight or during the day at work.
A Level 1 outlet can charge an EV up to 30-35 miles overnight or during
the day which is more than the average daily commuting distance for a Bay Area
resident.

Does Peninsula Clean Energy offer incentives for Level 1 charging projects?

Peninsula Clean Energy offers free technical assistance and generous project incentives for multifamily buildings and workplaces.

Level 2 charging

Level 2 chargers use 240-volt circuits like those typically used for clothes dryers or other more robust electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

Power: 240-volt
Miles: 100
Time: 4 hour

Level 2 use case
Level 2 stations offer faster charging, but at a significantly higher cost than Level 1. Level 2 charging is a popular option for multi-unit family apartments, commercial buildings and other locations. An average EV can add about 100 miles of battery range in about 4 hours.

Does Peninsula Clean Energy offer incentives for Level 2 charging projects?

Peninsula Clean Energy offers free technical assistance and generous project incentives for multifamily buildings, workplaces, and other public locations.

Level 3 DC fast charging

DC fast chargers (DCFC) rely on high-powered 480-volt circuits and specialized EVSEs. EVs equipped with a CCS or CHAdeMO plug type can use these types of charging stations.

Power: 480-volt
Miles: 80-125
Time: 30 minutes

Level 3 use case

DC fast charger stations are predominantly used during long road trips, quick top offs at your local grocery stores and shopping malls, or for EV owners that do not have charging at home or workplace. An average EV can add 80-125 miles in 30 minutes.

Does Peninsula Clean Energy offer incentives for DC fast charging projects?

Peninsula Clean Energy does not offer technical assistance for DC fast charger projects. To learn more about incentives for DC fast charger, please visit www.calevip.org.

What type of charging stations are best for your property?

Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations are the most suitable charging options for multifamily and workplace properties. Typically, Level 1 charging stations will satisfy all charging needs of residents, tenants, or employees at the lowest cost to the site owner by avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades and long project timelines.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

  • Both electric motor and gas engine
  • Usually uses electric range first, then switches to gas-electric hybrid
  • All electric range up to 53 miles, plus many more miles on a tank of gas
  • Maintain both the gas engine and electric motor
  • Typically lower federal and state incentives
  • Currently eligible for carpool stickers

Fully electric vehicle

  • Electric motor only
  • Greenest option: no more gas!
  • Lowest fueling cost
  • Simple, low-cost maintenance: no oil changes or smog checks
  • Range up to 315 miles on new models
  • Federal and state incentives of up to $10,000 to reduce price