California is leading the way in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, driven by ambitious state climate goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
A cornerstone of this effort is the state’s extensive EV charging station incentives and rebate programs, designed to offset the costs of installing EV charging infrastructure. From major electric utilities to local municipalities, millions of dollars in funding are available to support both residential and business installations of EV chargers. These programs not only make charging more accessible but also pave the way for California to remain a global leader in EV adoption.
Below, we’ve highlighted key programs offering substantial benefits for EV charging infrastructure development, helping residents, businesses, and fleet operators meet their electrification goals.
EV Charging Station Incentives: Key Statewide Programs
California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP)
Managed by the California Energy Commission (CEC), the CALeVIP program provides rebates for businesses, multi-unit dwellings, and public agencies to support the installation of Level 2 and DC fast chargers. Under the initial CALeVIP 1.0 initiative, rebates covered up to 75% of installation costs across various regions, including Alameda County, San Diego County, and Silicon Valley. While many of these projects have closed or exhausted funding, CALeVIP 2.0 has launched with expanded statewide funding and a focus on DC fast charging. It also incorporates open communication protocols for improved cross-network compatibility.
For those looking to capitalize on EV charging station incentives, additional funding opportunities under CALeVIP are expected in 2025. Charge Point Operators (CPOs), turnkey EV service providers, installers, and site hosts are encouraged to sign up with CALeVIP for program updates.
Southern California Edison (SCE) Charge Ready Program
Southern California Edison (SCE), one of the largest electric utility companies in California, offers its Charge Ready Program to support businesses, multifamily properties, government entities, and educational institutions. The program provides incentives covering up to 100% of the costs associated with installing Level 2 and DC fast chargers.
These EV charging station incentives also include resources such as an approved product list, cost estimator tools, and case studies, simplifying the process for eligible applicants and ensuring cost-effective implementation.
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) EV Fast Charge Program
Pacific Gas & Electric is California’s largest electric utility, serving over 16 million customers in the northern and central regions of the state. It operates separate programs directed at residential and business EV charging. Through the residential program, income-eligible households can receive a $700 rebate on PG&E-approved EV charging equipment. Through a partnership with Ecology Action, an environmental consulting firm, PG&E offers its Multifamily Housing and Small Business EV Charger Program that assists with the installation of chargers at multifamily housing (MFH) units, not-for-profit organizations, and small businesses at no cost for sites located in a priority community. The more general PG&E EV Charging Program, which assisted charger deployment for businesses and parking lots, is fully subscribed, but interested parties are encourage to sign up with PG&E to stay informed on future opportunities.
Communities in Charge Grant Program (CALSTART)
The California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program, administered by CALSTART, is providing $30 million in funding for light-duty charging infrastructure through its third round of incentives, opening in mid-November 2024. Property owners and authorized lessees can apply for funding to support their Level 2 (L2) charging sites, provided the projects meet specific requirements, such as being well-lit, secure, and fully compliant with federal, state, and local regulations. The program offers a base incentive of $6,500 or 100% of eligible costs per L2 charging point (whichever is less), with an additional $2,000 per port available for multi-family housing project sites. A list of approved hardware vendors and network providers is available, including Wevo Energy and many of our certified hardware partners, ensuring high-quality solutions for applicants.
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Power Your Drive Program
While fully subscribed at this time, SDG&E’s Power Your Drive program installed over 3,000 charging stations at 255 locations, helping to meet the demand of charging in and around San Diego. The more specialized Power Your Drive for Fleets Program assists fleet owners and operators by connecting them with fleet-friendly charging rates and financial incentives to install the infrastructure needed to power medium- and heavy-duty electric fleets.
There are many additional municipal and regional funding opportunities to support EV charging for residential and business customers. These programs typically offer $500 to $20,000 to offset charger and installation costs depending on the type and location of the charger.
Programs include the following:
- Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Residential EV Charger Rebate Program
- City of Anaheim Commercial Rebates
- City of Anaheim Private Use EV Charger Rebate
- Burbank Power and Water EV Charging at Home Program
- Burbank Power and Water Commercial EV Charging Station Rebate
- Pasadena Water and Power Commercial Charger Incentive Program
- Pasadena Water and Power Residential EV and Charger Incentive Program
- Peninsula Clean Energy EV Ready Program
- Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Home Charger Installation Rebate
- Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Charge! Program
- Communities in Charge EV Charging Incentive
- Marin Clean Energy (MCE) EV Charging for Businesses and Multifamily Properties
- Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Charge@Home Incentive
- Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Commercial EV Incentive
This list is not exhaustive of the funding opportunities meant to support EV charging station deployment and greater EV adoption, it addresses many programs statewide that are available to both businesses and residential customers for both L2 and DC fast charging. California’s EV charging incentives meet a wide range of needs, from single-family homes to large commercial properties and fleets. These incentives ensure that charging infrastructure is accessible statewide and will continue to make California a leader in EV adoption.
Powering the Future of EV Adoption
California’s robust EV charging incentive landscape reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future. With programs tailored to single-family homes, multifamily complexes, and commercial properties, these EV charging station incentives ensure that charging infrastructure is accessible statewide, further solidifying California’s role as a leader in the electrification movement.
At Wevo Energy, we’re here to help you make the most of these opportunities. Whether you’re looking to take advantage of EV charging station incentives or need expert guidance to optimize your EV charging business, our platform and team are ready to assist. Contact us today to learn how Wevo Energy can help power your EV charging goals and drive your business forward.
