To help accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in California, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) recently launched its new EV Charge Network program. 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.

To date, more than 500 customers have expressed interest in the program. In the first quarter of 2018, PG&E will begin installing new EV chargers in partnership with business customers, including at the first participating customer Merced College.

“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,” said Joe Allison, vice president of administrative services at Merced College.

Increasing Clean Transportation in California

In California, transportation is the single-largest contributor to greenhouse-gas emissions. Expanding access to EVs is essential to increasing clean air and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the state. The electricity fueling EVs in California comes from one of the cleanest energy mixes in the country – nearly 70 percent of the electricity PG&E delivers to customers is from greenhouse gas-free resources.

While EV adoption continues to grow in California, one of the biggest barriers is the lack of available places to charge. PG&E’s EV Charge Network will support the adoption of EVs by increasing access to charging in locations where it has traditionally been limited and where cars often sit for longer periods of time, like workplaces and apartment buildings.

“California continues to lead the nation in the fight against climate change and clean transportation is critical to building our sustainable energy future. One in five electric vehicles in the United States plug into PG&E’s clean energy grid. Through this new program, we can help even more of our customers feel confident using electric vehicles, thereby helping the state and our communities meet their clean air and greenhouse-gas emission reduction goals,” said Geisha Williams, CEO and president of PG&E Corp.

Accelerating EV Adoption with PG&E’s EV Charge Network

PG&E’s EV Charge Network program will pay for and build the infrastructure from the electric grid to the charger. In addition, PG&E says it will offset a portion of the charger cost for all participating customers, based on the site and location.

Interested business customers can learn more and apply for the program now at pge.com/evchargenetwork.