EV Charging program

In the EV Fast Charge Program, PG&E pays for and manages construction of the electrical infrastructure from the utility pole to the parking space at a limited number of competitively selected sites. Additionally, sites that meet Disadvantaged Community (DAC) requirements may qualify for a rebate up to $25k per charger to offset the EV charger cost.

PG&E customers (site hosts) interested in the program should contact approved vendors directly to learn more about the program. Vendors help determine whether a site is suitable for fast charging and apply for the program on a customer’s behalf.

Download approved vendor list (PDF)

Welcome to faster EV charging

Thanks for showing interest in EV fast charging and playing an important role in helping to promote clean transportation in California. Please consider becoming site host.

In the EV Fast Charge Program PG&E will select sites through a competitive process. For selected sites, PG&E will pay for and own the electrical infrastructure from the pole to the parking space – covering to-the-meter (TTM) and behind-the-meter (BTM) upgrades. Program participants can select charging hardware and software packages offered by any of the Fast Charge Program’s approved vendors. In some cases when a site meets Disadvantaged Community (DAC) requirements they may qualify for a rebate up to $25k per charger to offset the fast charger cost.

Eligibility

EV Fast Charge Program sites must receive electric service from PG&E and be accessible and available to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All chargers must be capable of charging at power levels of 50 kilowatts (kW) or greater and use either CHAdeMo or CCS charging connector standards, with at least one of each connector per site to maximize usefulness to drivers.

Ownership

PG&E pays for and owns the electrical infrastructure from the pole to the parking space. Site hosts work with one of the approved vendors to select their fast charger equipment package and determine the best model for ownership and operation.

Getting started

If you’re interested in participating in the EV Fast Charge Program, contact one of the approved program vendors. The vendor will assess your property to help determine eligibility for the program. If your site looks like a good fit, the vendor will submit a program application on your behalf. PG&E reviews new applications multiple times per year and selects top-ranking sites for the program.

Download approved program vendors (PDF)

EV Fast Charge Program process from application to activation

Not eligible for the program?

We encourage you to continue working with your vendor to install EV charging at your property and consider other funding opportunities.

EV charge vendors play an important role in the EV Fast Charge Program's success. They bring innovative charging solutions to PG&E customers and promote clean transportation in California. Below you’ll find program information, expectations for vendors and supporting material.

EV Fast Charge Program process from application to activation

Application, siting and eligibility

Approved vendors are responsible for submitting the EV Fast Charge Program application, with input from and on behalf of interested site hosts.

Proposed projects are required to pass screening criteria and are then evaluated based on a variety of factors. The program aims to achieve a portfolio of sites with the following characteristics, with ideal sites exhibiting one or more:

• Areas of high utilization – e.g., high-need areas
• Areas of high EV adoption – e.g., percentage of new car sales by county
• Disadvantaged Community (DAC) - Within or adjacent to census tracts in PG&E’s service territory assessed relative to California Environmental Protection Agency’s CalEnviroScreen.

The prioritization process will also consider variables that affect cost or factors that could otherwise make the site infeasible. Some of these factors include:

• Scale of capacity upgrade needed
• Building difficulties and site conditions, based on site walk
• Distance from distribution facilities to parking spot(s)

Awarded sites

After being awarded a site, the program participants (site host and EVSE owner) must agree to all terms and conditions (PDF) of the program. In addition, the property owner is required to sign an easement (PDF) allowing PG&E to maintain access to our infrastructure.

In the EV Fast Charge Program, PG&E pays for, coordinates, and facilitates construction of the electrical infrastructure from the utility pole to the parking space at a limited number of competitively selected sites.

PG&E qualifies EV charge vendors on an ongoing basis to apply for program funding on behalf of eligible site hosts.

PG&E customers interested in the program can contact approved vendors directly to determine if their site is suitable for fast charging, learn more about the program and how to apply. Download information on contacting an approved vendor at pge.com/evfastchargevendors (PDF).

Download the program fact sheet (PDF).

Transportation emissions in California are the highest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to air pollution and negatively affect health. In September 2020, as part of a statewide effort to reduce transportation emissions and create a more equitable and carbon neutral future, Governor Newsom passed Executive Order 79-20 (PDF). Prioritizing clean energy transportation solutions and accelerating California’s transition to ZEV requires a rapid deployment of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to enable sufficient availability of charging options at workplaces and public places. The purpose of the program is to provide charging infrastructure at school facilities and educational institutions in support of California’s electrification goals.

Download EV Charge schools fact sheet (PDF)

Schools Program Summary:

• Scope: 22 campuses, 88-132 L2 ports
• Time: 2 years
• Sites: Lower and higher education, 40% Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) allocation

Ownership Options & Rebates:

PG&E offers two EVSE ownership options at school facilities:

• Utility/PG&E Ownership, where PG&E owns, operates, and maintains the EVSE and associated network fees for a period up to eight years.
  • Site hosts who select PG&E ownership will have the choice of two vendors, ChargePoint (PDF) or EVBox (PDF)
• Site Host Ownership, where the participating school owns, operates, and maintains the EVSE and associated network fees. The school receives a rebate for the charger purchase and ongoing fees for a period up to eight years.
  • Site hosts who choose to own the EVSE themselves can select any equipment from the pre-qualified vendors in PG&E’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

Rebate information:

• For eligible site host owners PG&E will provide a one-time rebate in the amount up to the cost of the EVSE, the warranty, ongoing maintenance and operating costs, and networking fees for a period up to eight years, per the table in the dropdown below.
• The total rebate amount is equal to or exceeds the cost for most of the equipment qualified in PG&E’s RFQ.
• The rebate amount approximates per cost category the one-time equipment cost (cost of the charging station, commissioning, installation fees), warranty, maintenance, and networking fees for a period of eight years.
• The rebate will pay an “up to” dollar amount per cost category and will not exceed the total equipment costs and fees.
• View a rebate notification letter (PDF) for customers and Electric Vehicle Service Providers.

Criteria for participation:

• Financially Viable & ADA Compliance
  • Site cost-effectiveness means minimal trenching (ideally less than 120 ft but no more than 165 ft from the transformer to the last EV parking space) and transformer capacity
  • ADA compliance is easily met with no significant slopes or re-grading required and available compliant path of travel
  • Small projects (4-6 ports per site)
• DAC
  • 40% Schools
• Estimated Utilization Rates
  • Want communities to use the chargers
  • Seeking locations with high utilization potential
• Partnerships/Excitement/Engagement
  • Schools – EV curriculum opportunities for students, teachers, parents
  • Want to build long term positive partnerships

For application information contact the PG&E program manager Hillary M. Rupert by emailing EVSchoolsandParks@pge.com.

Transportation emissions in California are the highest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to air pollution and negatively affect health. In September 2020, as part of a statewide effort to reduce transportation emissions and create a more equitable and carbon neutral future, Governor Newsom passed Executive Order 79-20. Prioritizing clean energy transportation solutions and accelerating California’s transition to ZEV requires a rapid deployment of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to enable sufficient availability of charging options at workplaces and public places. The purpose of the program is to provide charging infrastructure at State Parks and beaches for fleet and public usage in support of California’s electrification goals.

Download EV Charge parks fact sheet (PDF)

Program Summary:

• Scope: 15 parks/beaches, 40 L2 ports, 3 DCFC
• Time:  2 years
• Sites: Parks and beaches, 25% Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) allocation
• Tribal Communities: Exploring opportunities to deploy chargers in Tribal Communities

Ownership:

PG&E owns, operates, and maintains the EVSE and associated network fees for a period up to eight years.
 

Vendors:

PG&E offers site hosts a choice of ChargePoint (PDF), EVBox (PDF), or other select vendors.
 

Criteria for participation:

• Financially Viable & ADA Compliance
  • Site cost-effectiveness
  • Ability to meet ADA compliance
  • Small projects (4-6 ports per site)
• DAC
  • 25% Parks
• Estimated Utilization Rates
  • Want communities to use the chargers
  • Seeking locations with high utilization potential
  • Destination charging
• Partnerships/Excitement/Engagement
  • Parks – Awareness raising through ribbon cutting, signage
  • Want to build long term positive partnerships

For application information contact the PG&E program manager Hillary M. Rupert by emailing EVSchoolsandParks@pge.com.

Use the following tools to learn more about EVs, their incentives and where to charge them. Note that some of the tools are specific to EV fleets.

Find incentives and rebates with the fleet calculator

Learn about the EV Fleet program

Use the EV Savings calculator

PG&E’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Rule 29 will pay for and coordinate the design and deployment of service extensions from PG&E’s electrical distribution line facilities to the service delivery point for separately metered electric vehicle charging stations.

In addition to Electric Rule 29, for distribution line extension work, Electric Rule 15 may also apply. This rule only applies to commercial, industrial, and multi-family customers. This does not apply to single-family homes.

Customers interested in the program can apply online at Your Projects.

Eligibility

Applicants, other than those in single-family residences, must plan to purchase and install qualified electric vehicle charging stations. They must maintain and operate these stations for at least five years.

Learn more about Rule 29 (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

When can customers begin submitting applications?

PG&E begins offering service under Rule 29 on April 5, 2022. Customer can apply online by visiting yourprojects-pge.com or call the Building and Renovation Service Center at 1-877-743-7782.

What is the customer’s responsibility?

The customer is responsible for installing the charging equipment. They must install all required electric service equipment to PG&E electric service standards. And they must pass all inspection requirements. For a complete list of requirements, view the latest Greenbook Manual.

By what date do customers need to install EV charging stations?

Charging stations need to be installed within 30 days of the service point being energized.

How long do I need to own and maintain these charging stations for?

A minimum of five years.

Will I be required to be on a specific rate plan?

Participants will be enrolled in PG&E’s Business EV rate by default—unless the rate becomes closed or another rate is determined to be more appropriate. However, applicants may switch to another Time-of-Use rate.

What is considered a qualified charging station?

Qualified charging stations must meet the safety requirements set forth by the Transportation Electrification Safety Checklist related to utility-side infrastructure and approved by the California Public Utilities Commission Decision, (D.)18-05-040 (PDF).

Is there is a port count minimum?

No, there is no port count minimum.

Is there is a utilization requirement?

Any amount of annual usage on the chargers’ utility meters is sufficient.

Similar to selecting a gasoline-powered car, choosing the electric vehicle that's best for you depends on a number of different factors including your driving habits and personal preference. Here are some factors to consider:

• Total Range: How far will you travel? The total range of current electric vehicles varies greatly—anywhere from 40-350 miles.
• Gasoline Use: How much gasoline do you want to use? The battery capacity of an electric vehicle determines how far you can go without using a drop of gasoline.
• Charging: Where will you charge? Where you drive and how you'll charge your vehicle can help you decide which electric vehicle will meet your needs.

If your daily commute is less than 40 miles, many electric vehicles—hybrid or battery electric—will be able to handle your daily driving without the need for gas. If you want the ability to drive much farther, several battery electric vehicles can travel 100 to 200+ miles on a charge. If you need to drive farther without charging, consider an extended-range hybrid like the Chevy Volt.

Learn more with our EV savings calculator

Plug-in electric vehicles typically have lower total cost of ownership and, in particular, lower maintenance costs. This is because they have fewer moving parts, reduced oil changes (or none for a full electric) and fewer brake jobs—battery regeneration absorbs most of the energy. Hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles can go 100,000 miles before receiving a brake job.

Learn more with our EV savings calculator

They will probably be recycled, but PG&E and others are researching second-life applications. Visit the Center for Sustainable Energy to see what others are doing.

Visit the Center for Sustainable Energy

Yes, public charging stations are located in supermarket parking lots, city garages, gas stations and many other locations across the country. Some public charging stations are free and others require a fee or membership.

Visit the alternative fuels data center

Visit Plugshare

• Lower operational costs: The estimated cost of electricity needed to power a plug-in electric vehicle is about one-third of the cost of gasoline.
• Lower maintenance costs: The electrical components of plug-in electric vehicles require little to no regular maintenance due to far less moving parts. In hybrids, this leads to less wear and tear of gasoline components.
• Rebates and tax credits: Many government agencies and local and regional entities offer rebates and tax credits, upwards of $7500, to encourage the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles.

Visit the EV Savings Calculator

Use the following tools to learn more about EVs, their incentives and where to charge them. Note that several of the tools are specific to EV fleets.

Use the EV Savings calculator

Download the EV Fleet Rate calculator (XLSX)

Download the EV Fleet Incentive Calculator (XLSX)

Download the EV Fleet Addtional Funding tool (XLSX)

Learn about rebates and incentives for the EV Fleet program

On our EV rate plans, you can pay the equivalent of $1.25 per gallon to charge your vehicle. Decide which rate makes sense for you. Learn about the different rate plans available to EV owners.

Visit residential rate plans