EV charging
California EV Charging Cost Guide: Rates, TOU Plans & Rebates (2026)
Detailed California EV charging economics: electricity rates ($0.25–$0.36/kWh), off-peak EV-TOU rate optimization, and Supercharger costs.
Data reviewed October 24, 2026
California represents over 35% of all electric vehicles registered in the United States. While California features the most expansive DC fast charging network in the country, the state also maintains the highest average residential electricity rates in the continental US, making time-of-use (TOU) rate enrollment critical.
| Utility Provider | EV Rate Plan | Off-Peak Rate (Midnight–6 AM) | Peak Rate (4 PM–9 PM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG&E | EV2-A Residential | $0.28 / kWh | $0.58 / kWh |
| Southern California Edison (SCE) | TOU-D-PRIME | $0.24 / kWh | $0.56 / kWh |
| San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) | EV-TOU-5 | $0.15 / kWh + $16/mo fee | $0.68 / kWh |
| Sacramento Municipal (SMUD) | Residential Time-of-Day | $0.14 / kWh | $0.34 / kWh |
Utility EV-TOU Rate Structures
Major investor-owned utilities (PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric) offer specialized EV time-of-use tariffs. Off-peak overnight rates (midnight to 6:00 AM) range between $0.24 and $0.32 per kWh, compared to peak afternoon rates exceeding $0.55 per kWh.
Cost to Charge: California vs National Average
Fully charging a 75 kWh battery in California averages $19.50 to $24.00 on an off-peak home plan, compared to $34.00 at a California Tesla Supercharger ($0.45/kWh average) and $12.00 in low-cost states like Texas or Ohio.
California Clean Fuel Reward & Regional Rebates
Local Air Quality Management Districts (SCAQMD, BAAQMD) provide residential rebates of $500 to $1,500 for Level 2 home charger installation and 200-amp electrical panel upgrades.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the cheapest time to charge an EV in California?
- Under California EV-TOU plans, the cheapest time to charge is overnight between midnight and 6:00 AM, when off-peak utility generation rates are lowest.
- Is an EV still cheaper than gas in California?
- Yes. Even with California high electric rates ($0.26/kWh off-peak), driving an EV costs approximately 7 to 8 cents per mile, compared to 17 to 20 cents per mile for a 28-MPG gas car with $4.80/gallon California gas.