Electric Vehicle Charging Rate and Economics
EVs are approximately three times more energy-efficient than gasoline vehicles. As a vehicle fuel, electricity offers the additional advantage of price stability. EVs operate for as little as 4 cents per mile when charged overnight using off-peak power. By charging batteries during off-peak hours, EV owners minimize their own energy bills and also make more efficient use of utility power plants, which in turn can reduce the average cost of electricity for all customers.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company offers a special, discounted rate for our EV customers, the Experimental Time-of-Use Low Emission Vehicle rate (Schedule E-9). The E-9 rate is mandatory for those customers that are currently on a residential electric rate and who plan on refueling an EV on their premises.
What is a Time of Use Rate?
The company offers electricity to its E-9 customers at different prices based on the time of day when the electricity is actually used. The E-9 rate offers a significant incentive to you to charge your vehicle during the off-peak time period when the demand for electricity is lower.
The following graph gives you an idea of how the E-9 rate works.
For complete detailed information on the E-9 rate please see Pacific Gas and Electric Company's electric rate schedules.
What TOU Option is Best?
The E-9 rate has two basic options, metering the whole house (option A) or just the charger (option B). You should review the rate and make your own decisions based on your personal needs and lifestyle.
Establishing E-9 Service
To apply for service, applicants must complete an E-9 Qualifying Checklist and return it to the company. Download a copy of the E-9 Checklist.
Please contact PG&E at (800) 743-5000 to arrange for your E-9 rate and installation of a time-of-use meter. If you have any questions please call the Clean Air Vehicle hotline at (800) 684-4648 or email us at clean-air-vehicles@pge.com.
