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Participate as a site host or a vendor
In May 2018, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved $22.4 million for PG&E to install infrastructure that supports Direct Current Fast Charging for electric vehicles. Starting in early 2020 and continuing through 2025, PG&E will pay to install infrastructure at qualifying customer sites to support the expansion of publicly available fast charging stations for light-duty vehicles.
Interested in participating as a customer (site host) or becoming an approved EV charger vendor? Learn more about the program, below.
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, 9.1 MB)
Program benefits
Cost savings
PG&E pays for and manages construction of the electrical infrastructure from the utility pole to the parking space at competitively selected sites.
Time savings
PG&E takes on the bulk of the work related to construction (design, permitting, etc.) and sees the project through to installation.
Attract customers
Offer EV fast charging to promote clean energy use. Chargers help attract customers and encourage them to spend more time at your business.
Climate action
Support California’s greenhouse gas reduction goals by promoting the transition to low-emission transportation.
Leadership by example
Position your business as a leader in sustainability and innovation and advance your own sustainability goals, while providing an amenity to your customers.
Public health
Help improve air quality for California communities by reducing tailpipe emissions.
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 (PDF, 9.1 MB). 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 vendor list (PDF, 9.1 MB)
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.
Additional resources
Charging station locator
Use PlugShare's interactive map to plan your trip. It includes the location and status of chargers throughout North America.
Disadvantaged Community (DAC) map
View this map to see if your site is in or adjacent to a disadvantaged community. If it is, you may qualify for a rebate of up to a $25k per charger.
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, 418 KB) of the program. In addition, the property owner is required to sign an easement (PDF, 93 KB) allowing PG&E to maintain access to our infrastructure.
EV charge vendor resources
Become a program vendor
We will conduct the next RFQ in May 2020. Email us to let us know you’d like to participate in the program.
Disadvantaged Community (DAC) map
View this map to see if your site is in or adjacent to a disadvantaged community. If it is, you may qualify for a rebate of up to a $25k per charger.
Frequently asked questions
Program participation
WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?
Your site and fast chargers must be:
- 50kW or higher charging capacity
- Publicly available
- Within PG&E’s service territory
AM I REQUIRED TO OFFER PUBLIC ACCESS TO MY PARKING SPACES?
Yes, the spaces must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Contact an approved charge vendor.
Download the approved vendor list (PDF, 9.1 MB)
Program costs and ownership
HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?
This depends on the cost of the charger selected and the commercial agreement between the site host and EV charge vendor. Site hosts are encouraged to compare offerings of different vendors to make sure they are receiving the product that best fits their site and goals.
WHAT OWNERSHIP OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
PG&E will not own chargers. There are various ownership models offered by EV charge vendors. Site hosts are encouraged to compare and consider what makes the most sense for them.
WHO PAYS FOR MAINTENANCE AND NETWORKING FEES?
It is up to the EV charge vendor and site host to determine how maintenance costs and networking fees are covered. All qualified EV charge vendors offer warranties, though the costs and levels of service vary. The Program requires charging stations to be operational for 5 years following their activation date.
WHAT CHARGERS ARE AVAILABLE?
Different EV charge vendors offer different chargers. Site hosts are encouraged to compare hardware and software options to make sure the selected package meets their needs.
Download the approved vendor list (PDF, 9.1 MB)
ARE THERE DIFFERENT PRICES FOR THE VARIOUS CHARGING HARDWARE?
Typically, the higher the kW and faster the charge, the costlier the equipment. Talk to your EV charge vendor for pricing information.
WHAT SORT OF FINANCING IS AVAILABLE?
Interested site hosts are encouraged to look at additional sources of funding via state and local programs. PG&E does not offer any financing in the traditional sense for this program.
IS MY SITE LOCATED IN A DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITY (DAC)?
To determine if your site qualifies as a DAC or DAC-adjacent location, visit the DAC map. Only sites that are within a DAC are eligible for a rebate, and only for the cost of the charger equipment up to $25,000 per charger.
DOES PG&E BILL DRIVERS FOR ELECTRICITY USED?
No. It is up to the EV charge vendor and site host to decide how much to charge drivers who use their stations. Drivers who use chargers pay a fee based on the charger’s unique pricing setup.
Vendor information
HOW DO I BECOME AN APPROVED PROGRAM VENDOR?
We will be conducting an RFQ on a regular basis, approximately twice per year. Let us know if you’re interested in participating in the program by sending an email to EVFastCharge@pge.com.
AS A PROGRAM VENDOR, WILL MY EQUIPMENT BE AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC?
Yes. It is a program requirement that charging stations be available to the public. For retailers, this could include individuals who are not patrons of your retail space.
DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE BOTH HARDWARE AND NETWORK SERVICES?
Yes. All qualified EV chargers have both hardware and software components. Ownership and operation of the EV charger includes paying for ongoing network services over the 5 year program.
Application and review process
WHAT DOES PG&E LOOK FOR IN A PROGRAM SITE?
Sites must meet the minimum requirements and then a combination of high utilization, available grid capacity, reasonable construction costs, safe access for drivers and no known issues in the area.
WHEN IS PG&E ACCEPTING PROGRAM APPLICATIONS?
Applications will be reviewed at regular intervals until the program is fully subscribed. Interested site hosts should work directly with a qualified vendor, who will submit an application on their behalf.
WHAT IF MY SITE IS NOT SELECTED?
EV charge vendors receive feedback on applications submitted and they are expected to share that feedback with the site host. Depending on the feedback, site hosts and vendors may wish to pursue the construction of an EV charge station via other means or re-apply to the program in the future. In some cases, the feedback may indicate that the site is cost prohibitive or not viable for other reasons, in which case the vendor and site host may not wish to pursue further.