Electric Vehicles

Getting the most out of EVs

Explore these resources to make your EV purchase and ownership cheaper, more convenient, and more enjoyable.

Overview

Goodbye, gas

PCE is your trusted resource for all of your EV questions.

Whether you’ve already made the switch or you’re wondering what owning an EV is like, we’ve got the resources and answers you need. From rebates and incentives to charging and emissions, we’re here to help you with all things EV.

EV Support

EV made easy

Get your electric vehicle moving with PCE’s support guides and resources.
We’ll get you going and keep you powered-up.

Benefits

The ins and outs of EV life

Here is what it’s really like to own an EV.
It might be even better than you think.

It's cheaper

Going electric can be a smart choice for your budget. With stabilizing EV prices, a wide variety of incentives, less maintenance, and zero trips to the gas station, EV drivers save an average of $500 per year compared to gas-powered vehicles.

PG&E’s savings calculator

Daily at-home charging is no problem

Getting groceries and doing school pick-ups is easily handled with the convenience of at-home, overnight charging.

Approximately 98% of Americans drive less than 40-50 miles per day. Commuting to work and running errands is nice without the hum of a combustion engine.

If that’s you, then you won’t need to install a special outlet to charge for your daily commute or running errands. As long as you have a regular 110v outlet within 25 feet of where you park your car, you’ll be fine.

Explore charging options

Instant rebates & incentives can make it even more affordable

As a PCE customer, you have access to exclusive PCE rebates plus a wide range of state and federal incentives.

All of these offers make EV ownership even less expensive than the cost of gas and maintenance for a gas-powered car.

Explore incentives & rebates

Leasing deals & used EVs are available

There are a lot of great deals on EV leases on the market right now, which makes driving a new EV even more manageable.

Plus, a healthy used EV market lowers the cost of EV ownership even more.

Explore EV rebates

It's cleaner

Gas isn’t great for the environment.

Driving a vehicle powered by clean electricity is a huge way to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and improve the health of your family, friends, and community.

Inhaling combustion byproducts can lead to high blood pressure, worsen emphysema, and trigger asthma attacks. Switching to an EV helps lessen these effects.

Charging while traveling is doable

EV range continues to increase, with most cars now reaching 200-300 miles on a single charge. But range anxiety is real.

Long road trips require pit stops that will take longer than filling up a tank of gasoline. Fast-charging stations take 30-60 minutes to add hundreds of miles.

Thinking of road-tripping with an EV?

Here's a map

It's more fun

EVs are quiet and fast.

The electric engine generates more torque for faster acceleration. Getting 200-300 miles of range on a single charge means that you have the freedom to go wherever you want.

Charging Your EV

Power up & go further

Learn more about how and where to charge your EV.

Most people only drive 40-50 miles per day. Some drive more or need faster charging. Here are some highlights of typical charging scenarios to help you decide which option works best for you.

Home Charging

Level 1 charging

Level 1 chargers can be plugged into a standard 120-volt, grounded wall outlet, like those found in most homes. Depending on several factors, a Level 1 charging station will deliver about 5 miles per hour.

The lowest-cost charging solution, Level 1 works best when there is plenty of time to charge, either overnight or during the day at work.

Home Charging Station

Level 2 home charging station

Level 2 charging stations are four times faster than Level 1. They can provide about 25 miles per hour of charge but at a significantly higher installation cost than Level 1.

Commercial Fast Charging

Level 3 commercial charging or direct current

Some fully electric EVs can be charged at a DC fast charging station to add more than 100 miles of battery charge in 40 minutes. DC fast charging relies on high-powered 480v circuits and specialized EVSEs. EVs equipped with a CCS or CHAdeMO plug type can use these charging stations.

Rebates & Offers

Savings just ahead

In addition to the $6,000-$10,000 you can save on gas and maintenance, we can help you find local, federal, and state rebates and incentives.

EV Shopping

How to buy smart

Here’s what to consider when you’re shopping for an EV.

A new car is a big purchase. Considering an EV adds some extra factors to the decision, but it doesn’t need to be a stressful process. Millions of people have already decided that an electric vehicle is the better choice. We’ll help you figure out if you want to join them. Here’s what to take into account.

Cost

Can I afford an EV?

For many of us, cost is the most important factor when purchasing a car. But you have to look at more than just the price of the vehicle. Consider the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), which includes depreciation, insurance, maintenance, fuel, and the purchase or lease cost.

The good news is TCO is lower on EVs compared to gas-powered vehicles. But the up-front purchase price for some EV types can be higher, with savings showing up more in fuel and maintenance costs. More good news: there are local, federal and/or state incentives that make the initial purchase price cheaper.

See incentives & rebates

Experience

What does it feel like to drive an EV?

EVs exceed internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles on several performance factors. They have powerful motors that produce a lot of torque, so the acceleration is very quick, instantaneous, and smooth. Steering is also highly responsive, giving these cars a sporty feel. At the same time, EVs feel heavier and more stable due to a low center of gravity. EVs are also much quieter, with only an occasional light hum from the electric motor.

Selection

Are there a lot of EV models to choose from?

There are over 60 EVs on the market today with more added each year, so it’s more and more likely that you’ll be able to find the one you like. Currently, there are more sedans than SUVs or pickups, so selection will depend on what kind of vehicle you want.

Travel

Are EVs good for road trips?

EV range continues to increase, with most cars now reaching close to 300 miles on a single charge. Long road trips require pit stops at charging stations that will take longer than filling up a tank of gasoline. PCE is taking the lead on helping to increase the number of fast-charging stations that take 30-60 minutes to add hundreds of miles of charge so the extra effort for long road trips is decreasing rapidly.

Map of charging stations

Charging

What are the charging options for EVs?

There are several options for charging EVs. Most people can get the charge they need using a regular household (110v/120v) outlet at home. But for those who need faster charging, there are options such as at-home fast charging or locating local supercharging stations. If you need help finding or installing the right charging solution, speak with an EV advisor.

EV Advisor

Environment

Is driving an EV better for the planet?

Yes. And with carbon-free electricity from PCE, it’s even better. Passenger cars historically account for over 30% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and ICE vehicles account for roughly 60% of the average household’s carbon emissions footprint. An EV, on the other hand, produces no GHG emissions. So you generate no emissions when you charge your EV with clean energy—much, much better than ICE vehicles.

E-bikes

Good, clean, fun

Electric bicycles, also known as “e-bikes,” can travel around 15-28 miles per hour using rechargeable batteries. They’re healthier and less expensive than driving— and can be a lot more fun! If you’re riding for recreation, the assistance from the electric motor lets you ride much farther with less fatigue.

E-bikes for everyone

We’re big supporters of e-bikes, so throughout the year we offer rebates to help riders purchase or lease a new e-bike for less. If you’re eligible and in the market for an e-bike, you could get up to $1,000 towards your purchase.

Electric Vehicle Support

Keeping up with PCE

Would you like to stay informed about PCE’s efforts to bring clean, affordable electricity to your home?