Our goal is to ensure that Electric Vehicles (EVs) and public fast charging are accessible to all.
In 2019, EVgo launched the Communities Charging for Change initiative to promote access to electric vehicle charging for all. Under this initiative, EVgo introduces the Equal Access Charging Hub program together with local partners to deploy new public fast charging hubs in California communities that bear a disproportionate pollution burden in San Diego, Los Angeles, and in the Bay Area.
On average, an EV costs half as much as driving a gas car and is cheaper to maintain.1 Californians can save about $1,000/year on fuel costs by switching to an EV.2
Alameda County households spend on average 17% of their income on transportation costs.3
By transitioning to an EV, you save more on fuel and maintenance fees, which means more money leftover for rent, food, and other family necessities.
Gas powered vehicles emit toxic air pollution, including small particles (PM2.5), that are dangerous to human health.
Low income and communities of color in California face the greatest exposure to air pollution from transportation.4 PM2.5 exposure may increase the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease, asthma attacks, and poor lung and heart health.5
Adoption of electric vehicles, which produce less emissions than gas vehicles, can help improve air quality and health outcomes in your area.
In 2017, transportation was responsible for the largest percentage of greenhouse gas emissions out of any sector, and passenger vehicles made up the greatest percentage of transportation emissions in California.6
The transition to EVs is one important step to reducing the risk of large-scale climate events like the recent California wildfires and ensuring a livable future.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV): are powered completely by electricity and do not produce tailpipe emissions.
Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV): have both a gasoline or diesel engine and an electric motor and rechargeable battery. PHEVs can drive 10 – 40 miles on electricity before using the gas engine.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV): primarily runs on gas with support from electricity. HEVs do not charge but are more fuel efficient than cars with conventional gas engines.
Learn more about the types of electric vehicles available here.
It depends on the type of EV! While most electric vehicles can drive 100 miles before needing a charge, some models currently available offer 250 miles of range (3-4 hours) or more.7
There are different charging levels available to power your battery electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid.
Level 1 charging uses a standard wall outlet and all EVs come with the standard cord that can be used. It is the slowest option but works best for home charging and is usually done overnight and charges at 3-5 miles per hour.
Level 2 charging uses a 240 volt outlet and works well for overnight or workplace charging and charges at 15-30 miles an hour.
Level 3 charging (DC fast charging) allows you to recharge in the shortest time. You can charge your EV to reach 80% capacity in under 30 minutes.
Yes! The cost of EVs and the vehicle options are expanding, check out Electric for All’s "which car is right for you” tool: https://www.electricforall.org/which-car-is-right/
California offers multiple programs to help low income drivers afford electric vehicles. Learn more here about programs to help you afford an electric vehicle and use this calculator here to find how much you can save in your area.
Below are CA programs you might consider:
Clean Vehicle Assistance Program
California residents with qualifying incomes can apply for a grant to purchase or lease a new or used hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or battery electric vehicle.
Applicants may receive up to $5,000 for a battery electric vehicle.
Applicants can also apply to receive $2,000 for a charging station at home.
Applicants must wait to receive their grant before purchasing a vehicle.
Call 1-559-271-1957 or email cleanvehicles@beneficialstate.org to learn more.
California residents with qualifying incomes can receive up to $7,000 to purchase or lease a new battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
Applicants must apply for rebates within 3 months after purchasing or leasing an eligible vehicle.
Call 866-984-2532 or email cvrp@energycenter.org to learn more.
Note: if you plan to lease or purchase a new electric vehicle, you can apply to receive assistance from both the Clean Vehicle Assistance and Clean Vehicle Rebate programs.
Footnotes:
1 – https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/california-says-new-cars-sold-in-the-state-must-be-zero-emissions-by-2035/
2 – https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/index.htm
3 – https://htaindex.cnt.org/map/
4 – https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/inequitable-exposure-air-pollution-vehicles-california-2019
5 – https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/attach/2019/06/Inequitable-Exposure-to-Vehicle-Pollution-Northeast-Mid-Atlantic-Region.pdf
6 – https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/inventory/pubs/reports/2000_2017/ghg_inventory_trends_00-17.pdf
7 – https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/electric-cars-with-the-longest-range
