Electric vehicles (EVs) generally cost about half as much 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.
Comparison of Operating Costs and Emissions
Electric Vehicle Informational Flier (PDF)
2017 ECOplus emissions factor is 0.142326 lbs/kWh
Assumes 19 lbs C02/gallon for gas
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Assumes 25 miles/gallon for gas car
Assumes 3.8 mi/kWh for EV
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Assumes 9,454 miles driven annually
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Assumes $1186 average annual maintenance for gas car, versus $982 for EV
Assumes $3.65/gallon price for gas
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Looking to compare money saved on gas and maintenance? Check out this Savings Calculator from our friends at Sonoma Clean Power.
Incentives Available
| 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. |
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).
