Electric vehicles
About EVs
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.
We have provided information below to teach you about electric vehicles and make your transition from gas-powered to an electric vehicle seamless.
For more information on electric vehicles and their savings compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, visit www.ev.pge.com
Our EV Programs
We want to help make your transition to electric vehicles easy. We currently offer the following EV programs:
Used EV rebates
Rebates for used EVs for income-qualifying residents. Available all year long.
EV charging incentives
Interested in getting EV charging stations installed at your workplace, condo, or apartment building?
Types of EVs
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
What type of EV is right for you?
- 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.
- Wondering about road trips?
Considering an all-battery EV? Fast charging options exist across the state and help get you where you need to go. With the PlugShare you can map out your trip and find stations. Want to rent the perfect EV for your needs? You can get a four-wheel drive for skiing. Or a camper van for camping. Considering a plug-in hybrid EV? Your car will simply switch to gas-hybrid mode once the electric range runs out.
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: 40-50
Time: Overnight (10 hours)
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: 12-25
Time: 14 hours
Level 3: Fastest
DC fast charge while running errands. A special plug lets some full EVs (plug-in hybrids are not compatible with fast chargers) charge faster with direct current. Public Level 3 chargers are located at grocery stores and shopping malls throughout San Mateo County. Fast charging is helpful for EV drivers that can’t plug in at work or home or for a quick boost. An average EV can add over 100 miles in 40 minutes, however the charging rate can vary by vehicle model.
Power: 480-volt
Miles: 85-125
Time: 30 mins
Types of Chargers
Peninsula Clean Energy offers electric vehicle (EV) rates that mirror PG&E’s rates, but at a 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 Peninsula Clean Energy rate).
Electric Vehicle Incentives
| Program | EVs Incentive Amount | New or used | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax Credit | $0 – $7,500 | New only | Incentive based on battery capacity, vehicle make/model, and tax liability. Purchase only. Click here to see incentive amount according to vehicle. |
| CA Clean Vehicle Rebate | $1,000 – $4,500 | New only | Rebate based on vehicle type ($1,000 plug-in hybrid and $2,000 all-electric). Has an income cap & increased rebate (+$2,500) for low income households. Purchase or lease. California wide program. |
| PG&E Clean Fuel Rebate | $800 | New mostly. Used under certain conditions. | Purchase or lease. Must be a PG&E customer (note: all Peninsula Clean Energy customers are still PG&E customers.) |
| DriveForward Electric | $2,000 – $4,000 | Used only | Low and moderate income. Purchase only. San Mateo County only. |
| Driving Clean Assistance Program | $4,500-$5,500 | New and used | Low and moderate income only. Purchase only. Offers financing assistance. Bay Area only. |
| Clean Cars for All | $5,500 – $7,500 | New and used | Low and moderate income only. Scrap & replace program i.e. must retire a vehicle 15 years old or older to qualify. Bay Area only. |
| CA Clean Vehicle Assistance Program | $4,500 – $5,000 | New and used | Low to moderate income only. Purchase only. Offers financing assistance. California wide program. |
| Clean Air Vehicle Decal Program | N/A | New and some used | Issues HOV decals allowing EVs to drive in the carpool lane with a single passenger. All new EVs are eligible; used EVs eligibility is income-based. |
