Get started with electric vehicles

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.

Frequently asked questions about Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Rule 29

• 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.
• For how long do I need to own and maintain these charging stations?
  • 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, 2.0 MB)
• Is there a port count minimum?
  • No, there is no port count minimum.
• Is there a utilization requirement?
  • Any amount of annual usage on the chargers’ utility meters is sufficient.
• 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 should I consider before purchasing an electric vehicle?
  • 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 vary greatly. Additional considerations are how far your daily commute is, your typical weekend travel, and how often you use your vehicle for extended trips.
    • 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.
    • Insurance Costs: Recommend receiving quotes for vehicle insurance from multiple companies to compare the option that best fits your needs and driver history.
• Learn more with our EV Savings Calculator

Plug-in electric vehicles typically have a 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

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

EV Calculator - Charging station locator

Use the EV Savings Calculator’s interactive map to plan your trip. It includes the location and status of chargers throughout North America.

Visit the EV Savings Calculator EV charger map

• 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 $7,500, 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

Decide which rate makes sense for you. Learn about the different rate plans available to EV owners.

Explore EV rate plans for your home