Editor’s note: While the article does not explain why PG&E favors the Leaf over other equally capable EVs, the idea is worth pursuing by other utilities as a great way to encourage power purchases. After a decade of efficiency efforts by other industries, the utility industry has struggled with about 1% annual growth. The EV industry seems like a great opportunity to boost that figure. Ideally, the power to recharge such EVs should come from the state’s many wind farms.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) recently announced that PG&E customers can save $3,000 on the purchase of a new 2018 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle (EV). This offer adds to existing state and federal discounts available to customers in California to help support the state’s clean transportation goal of having five million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2030.
This offer adds to existing state and federal discounts available to customers in California to help support the state’s clean transportation goal of having five million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2030.
“Electric vehicles are a critical part of creating cleaner air and meeting California’s climate goals. Making it easier for customers to adopt EVs helps drivers reduce their environmental impact while supporting our clean energy future – a win for both our customers and the state”
At any authorized Nissan dealership, interested customers can show a recent copy of their PG&E bill, a valid photo ID and the flyer with the Fleet Certification Code found here. Family members are also eligible if they prove with a driver’s license that they reside at the same address as the customer on the PG&E bill. The discount is taken off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the purchase or finance of a 2018 Nissan LEAF EV and is available through July 2, 2018.
“Electric vehicles are a critical part of creating cleaner air and meeting California’s climate goals. Making it easier for customers to adopt EVs helps drivers reduce their environmental impact while supporting our clean energy future – a win for both our customers and the state,” said Steve Malnight, PG&E Corporation’s senior vice president of Strategy and Policy.
For more information on the offer, PG&E customers can view the FAQ. Customers can contact any authorized Nissan dealership with additional questions.
Existing discounts for EVs
In addition to the discount offered by Nissan, other available incentives could further reduce the cost of a Nissan LEAF EV by approximately 50%. PG&E recommends customers research other discounts and incentives, including:
- Federal Tax Credit: Customers could be eligible for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits. PG&E recommends customers review details closely and consult a tax accountant or Certified Public Accountant for specific information.
- California State Rebate: Customers could be eligible for an additional $2,500 off the Nissan LEAF through the California state rebate administered by the California Air Resources Board.
- PG&E’s Clean Fuel Rebate: PG&E residential, electric customers who are EV drivers can apply for the company’s one-time $500 Clean Fuel Rebate. The rebate is part of California’s statewide Low Carbon Fuel Standard initiative, which aims to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the adoption of clean fuels like electricity.
- PG&E customers living in areas such as San Joaquin Valley could be eligible for additional EV discounts.
PG&E ongoing support for EVs in California
Committed to increasing adoption of clean vehicles in the state, PG&E continues its efforts to make it easier for customers to make the switch to EVs. On PG&E’s residential EV rate plans, customers pay the equivalent of $1.20 per gallon to charge their vehicle overnight. Customers can learn more about EVs by viewing PG&E’s online resources and get help determining which rate plan makes sense for them.
Recently, PG&E announced that its customers can save $10,000 on the purchase of a new 2017 or 2018 BMW i3 or i3s EV through May 31, 2018. At any authorized BMW dealership, interested customers can show a recent copy of their PG&E bill and the filled out BMW customer information form found here.
Through its EV Charge Network program, PG&E aims to help accelerate the adoption of EVs in California by increasing access to charging. Partnering with business customers and EV charging companies, PG&E will install 7,500 EV chargers at condominiums, apartment buildings and workplaces across Northern and Central California, including at sites in disadvantaged communities. For more on other options for EV drivers: pge.com/ev.
Filed Under: News
