PG&E launches new program to install 7,500 electric vehicle chargers

California is already leading the U.S. in terms of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and are likely going to keep that lead at the pace they are installing stations.

Now, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a major electric utility in the state, is launching a new program to significantly increase the number of stations.

Under the program, called EV Charge Network, they are partnering with business customers and EV charging companies “to install 7,500 EV chargers at condominiums, apartment buildings and workplaces across Northern and Central California, including at sites in disadvantaged communities.”

PG&E explains the details of the program:

• Partnering with EV charging companies, PG&E will install 7,500 level 2 charging stations at business customer sites including condominiums, apartment buildings and workplaces across Northern and Central California.
• To increase EV charging access to more customers, at least 15 percent of the chargers will be installed in disadvantaged communities.
• The three-year program officially starts in 2018, and continues through 2020, with a budget of $130 million.
• All site hosts can choose to own their charging equipment. PG&E can own and maintain up to 35 percent of the total (up to 2,625 out of 7,500) at workplaces in disadvantaged communities and apartment buildings or condominiums.
• Customer sites can choose chargers from a list of pre-qualified vendors that meet quality and safety standards. A list of the pre-qualified vendors can be found here.

The company says that the installations will start this quarter and that more than 500 customers have expressed interest in the program.

Merced College will be the first customer to have new chargers under the program.

Joe Allison, Vice President of Administrative Services at Merced College, commented:

“Merced College’s Los Banos Campus is excited to partner with PG&E on their new EV Charge Network program which promotes the sustainability goals of our district. We are committed to doing our part to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in California and also look forward to providing increased access for future electric vehicle users,”

The program is the latest in a series of efforts by electric utilities to welcome more EVs on their grids.

As for PG&E, they also have residential EV rate plans, which results in customers paying the equivalent of $1.20 per gallon (depending on the efficiency of their EV) to charge their vehicle overnight.