Utilities, Commercial, Sourcing Renewables  -  January 18, 2018

PG&E launches program to accelerate EV adoption in California

Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced the launch of a new EV Charge Network program to help accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. PG&E expects to install new EV chargers in partnership with business customers in the first quarter of 2018.

As reported by Windpower Engineering & Development on Jan. 18, PG&E plans to install EV chargers at 7,500 workplaces, condominiums and apartment buildings across Northern and Central California, with electricity ideally sourced from renewables. More than 500 customers have already expressed interest in the program, which is expected to continue through 2020, with a budget of $130 million. Merced College is the first participating customer.

Even as California has seen EV adoption increase, the lack of available places to charge remains a barrier. PG&E’s EV Charge Network will increase access in areas where it has been limited and where cars remain for longer periods of time, including workplaces and apartment buildings. The program will pay for and build the infrastructure from the electric grid to the charger. PG&E will also offset a portion of the charger cost for all participating customers, based on the site and location.

While EV adoption continues to grow in the state, lack of available places to charge remains a barrier. PG&E’s EV Charge Network will support the adoption of EVs by increasing access to charging in locations where it has traditionally been limited and where cars often sit for longer periods of time, like workplaces and apartment buildings.

"Through this new program, we can help even more of our customers feel confident using electric vehicles, thereby helping the state and our communities meet their clean air and greenhouse-gas emission reduction goals," said Geisha Williams, CEO and president of PG&E Corporation. Transportation is the single largest contributor to GHG emissions in California.