For many Californians, transportation costs are a significant part of the household budget. Whether customers are considering a new vehicle, exploring ways to lower fuel costs or simply comparing their options, a growing number of tools, rate plans, rebates and charging resources are available to help them make informed decisions.
“Transportation is one of the largest expenses many households face, and understanding the full range of costs can be an important part of making a vehicle decision,” said Alexandria Moffat, director of Clean Transportation at SDG&E. “From upfront purchase costs and available incentives to fueling and charging expenses, having access to reliable information can help customers choose the option that best fits their budget and lifestyle.”
A Starting Point for Electric Vehicle (EV) Questions
Customers considering an EV can visit SDG&E’s EV resource webpage for information to help them better understand what driving electric could mean for their household, from potential costs and savings to charging options and available support. The page gives customers a starting point to explore key considerations and make more informed transportation decisions based on their budget, driving needs, lifestyle and the expanding public charging network across the region.
Tools to Help Customers Compare Costs
SDG&E customers can use online EV shopping tools like cost comparisons and charging calculators to estimate fuel savings, evaluate charging costs and compare vehicle options based on their individual driving habits. These tools are designed to help customers better understand the full cost of driving electric compared with gasoline, including how charging behavior and rate plans can affect monthly costs.
Rebates and Incentives May Help
For some customers, upfront vehicle costs can be one of the biggest considerations when evaluating an EV. SDG&E offers a Pre-Owned EV Rebate Program that provides eligible customers with rebates ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 for purchasing or leasing a used electric vehicle.
Other state and regional EV incentive programs may also be available, including the San Diego Clean Cars 4 All, and California’s Driving Clean Assistance Program. Together, these programs can help eligible customers compare available incentives and better understand whether an EV would fit their budget.
Rate Plans and Charging Times Can Affect Savings
For customers who already drive electric or are considering an EV, when and how they charge can make a meaningful difference. Customers enrolled in qualifying time-of-use plans may be able to take advantage of SDG&E’s year-round super off-peak charging periods from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and 12 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends, when electric pricing is at its lowest. Planning charging around lower-priced periods can help customers make more informed choices about how much it may cost to power an EV over time.
More Resources are Expected
SDG&E is also continuing to develop programs that support transportation electrification and help customers manage costs. Later this year, the company expects to launch an affordable public charging card program designed to help eligible customers pay for charging at participating public charging stations. SDG&E also recently received approval for a residential charging support program that could help offset costs associated with home charging equipment and related electrical upgrades.
Additional new state EV incentives including the MyFirstEV program and a rideshare-focused EV incentive program will be launching later this year and will help make EV ownership more affordable for California drivers.
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