Electric in SoCal

Many states talk about how an electric vehicle (EV) reduces pollution, saves energy, and lowers driving costs. However, our state, specifically the Southern California region, backs all its discussions with special perks for those willing to explore this advanced transportation. Here are just some of them, which are brought to you by the dealers of the Beach Boulevard of Cars.

Incentives

To help you invest in the future of personal transportation, the following incentives are available:

• California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project is administered by the Center for Sustainable Energy for the California Air Resources Board. It gives you up to $7,000 when you buy or lease an eligible zero-emission or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). You need to apply within three months of your purchase or lease and before funds are exhausted.

• The California Clean Fuel Reward saves you up to $750 on the purchase or leaves of an eligible new Battery Electric (BEV) or PHEV. You’ll need to find a participating automotive retailer, many of whom are part of the Beach Boulevard of Cars. Make your best deal as usual and then take up to $750 off the purchase price.

• The Pre-Owned Electric Vehicle Rebate Program from Southern California Edison (SCE) gives you up to  $1,000 in rebates when you buy or lease an eligible pre-owned electric vehicle. Income-qualified applicants can receive up to $4,000 based on household income. 

• If you drive an eligible vehicle, you can apply for a Clean Air Vehicle Decal that lets you use the carpool and HOV lanes even if you’re the only person in the car. This sticker must remain with your vehicle and cannot be transferred. If a vehicle you buy has such a decal, you must transfer the decal to your name.

Charging

Once you own an EV, you won’t ever have to visit a gas station for a fill-up. Instead, you can charge up your car batteries as follows:

• Level 1 Charging lets you plug into a standard 120-volt household outlet. This method typically takes the longest with 5 miles of range per hour of charging, but that gives you enough power for most daily drives.

• Level 2 Charging requires a cable that plugs into a 240-volt outlet or a charging station that is professionally installed at home, typically in the garage. This faster-charging type gives you 12 to 80 miles of range per hour. Before you think of installing this type of charger, consult with an electrician to verify that your home can support it.

• DC Fast Charging. Available at many public charging stations, this is the fastest level generally available to you. You can get up to 40 miles of range for every 10 minutes of charging. Because of their expense, these types of chargers cannot be installed at home.

Rates

Charging your EV will cost you electricity, and the rates of SCE vary by season, day of the week, and time. If on a Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plan, the lowest rates will be in the morning, afternoon, and overnight. You want to charge your vehicle for the cheapest cost.

You’ll get the best rates with TOU-D-PRIME, but to qualify, you must have the following:

• EV or PHEV that you bought or are leasing.

• Residential batteries for storing energy.

• Electric heat pumps for water and space heating.

For the best rates under this plan, you want to charge your EV between 8 AM and 4 PM and avoid energy use between 4 PM and 9 PM.