Drive electric with a better, faster, and cleaner vehicle

Electric vehicles (EVs) are more efficient than gas-powered cars and trucks and better for the environment. Buying an EV is a great first step on the path to electrifying everything!

Why do it?

EVs can save you over $1,000 a year on fuel costs relative to gas vehicles, require less maintenance, and have no tailpipe emissions.

When?

When you are ready to replace your current gas vehicle.

Who is this for?

All vehicle owners.

Project at a glance

Used EV upfront cost

$10,000+

New EV upfront cost

$27,500+

Average annual energy savings

$1,100+

Average annual emissions reduction

4.6+ tons

Health Benefits

No air pollution or noise pollution

Difficulty

Easy

Our Takeaway

Many EVs on the market today have a range of more than 250 miles on a single charge. Electrifying your driving can save you over $1,000 a year!

Rebates and Credits

New EV tax credit

Available now!

$7,500

Used EV tax credit

Available now!

$4,000

EV charger tax credit

Available now!

$1,000

Calculate your personal savings

Learn more about electric vehicles

Electric vehicles 101

Ready to purchase an EV? Here’s everything you need to know about electric vehicles including vehicle types, charging, range, and costs.

Written by: Consumer Reports

Are electric cars better for the environment?

Written by: Rewiring America

Gas vs electric cars: Here's how much money you can save with EVs

Written by: Rewiring America

The pros and cons of electric vehicles

Written by: Bob Vila

How electric vehicles work

Written by: PCMag

Electric vs. gas vehicles

Written by: Car and Driver

EV leasing is the cheapest option for new car buyers across America

Written by: Forbes

Project Guide

1. Decide on the type of transportation that meets your needs

There are lots of climate-friendly ways to get around, including public transportation, walking, biking, electric bikes, and electric vehicles (EVs), and we’re big fans of all of them. If you’ve decided you need to buy an EV, you've come to the right place.

Read reviews and shop around to find an electric vehicle that meets your needs. Test drive the ones you’re considering — it’s free, and you can even do it before you’re ready to buy without the stress of an emergency replacement. Along with the usual car features, consider EV-specific features like range, charging speed, and availability of fast chargers.

Check out PG&E’s EV Savings Calculator to help you decide.

FAQs

How do I know if my vehicle qualifies for tax credits?

Visit fueleconomy.gov. The website has a page dedicated to tax credits for new and used electric vehicle purchases.

Before you visit a dealer, you can browse EV vehicles from home! Pacific Gas and Electric Company has a fantastic website that lets you compare new and used vehicles by range, type, and fuel (all-electric or plug-in hybrid). You can also filter EVs by budget.

Yes! Your dealer can apply the $7,500 tax credit to any leased electric vehicle and pass the credit on to you. Only electric vehicles made in North America will receive the full tax credit.

Other Projects

Rewiring America is the leading electrification nonprofit working to electrify our homes, businesses and communities.

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