Electric vehicles: Less fuel, maintenance, and emissions than gasoline cars

Electric vehicles (EVs) cost significantly less to run, have lower maintenance costs and emit 25 times less emissions than gasoline-powered cars!

Interested in learning more about electric vehicles? The information below includes cost comparisons between electric vehicles and gas-powered cars, the difference between electric electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in electric vehicles, the different incentives available and EV electricity rates.

Interested in getting EV charging stations installed at your workplace, condo, or apartment building? Learn more.

For more information on electric vehicles and their savings compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, visit www.ev.pge.com

What type of Electric Car is Best for you?

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

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 engine and motor
  • Typically lower federal and state incentives
  • Currently eligible for carpool stickers

How much range do you need?

  • How much do you drive in an average day?
    The average commute in San Mateo County is about 44 miles round trip, easily in the range of a fully electric cars.
  • Does your household already have another car? 
    Fully electric cars make great second commuter cars if more than one person in your household needs to drive.

Considering a fully electric car as your only vehicle, but wondering about road trips? Rent exactly the right vehicle for the occasion. Skiing? Rent a four-wheel drive. Camping? Rent a camper van. Meanwhile, save on your every day drive!


Types of Chargers

Level 1: Easy

Plug in at home to a normal outlet. You don’t need special equipment to charge your car at home. Electric cars come with a cord that works in normal 120-volt household outlets on a dedicated circuit. An average EV can add about 30 miles of battery range overnight.

Power: 120-volt
Miles: 30
Time: Overnight

Level 2: Faster 

Plug in to 240-volt chargers. For faster charging, many owners install Level 2 chargers at home or use charging stations at work or other convenient locations. An average EV can add about 100 miles of battery range in about 4 hours.

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

Level 3: Fastest

DC fast charge while running errands. A special plug lets some EVs charge super fast with direct current. Public Level 3 chargers are located at grocery stores and shopping malls throughout San Mateo County. An average EV can add over 100 miles in 40 minutes.

Power: 480-volt
Miles: 100
Time: 40 mins


Electric Vehicle Rates

Peninsula Clean Energy offers electric vehicle (EV) rates that mirror PG&E’s rates, at a 5% lower cost.

PG&E offers two EV rate plans for residential customers: EV2-A which combines your vehicle’s electricity costs with those of your residence and EV-B which involves the installation of another meter and separates your vehicle’s electricity costs from those of your home. Both EV2-A and EV-B are non-tiered, time-of-use plans, which means that the rate you pay is based on the time of day you use the electricity.

For EV2-A, costs are lowest from 12am – 3pm when demand is lowest, making this the best time to charge your vehicle. Electricity is more expensive during the peak hours of 4-9 pm and partial-peak 3-4 pm and 9 pm-12 am periods.

For more information on EV rates or to change your rate visit PG&E’s EV rates page (changing your rate with PG&E will automatically update your PCE rate).