Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are zero-emission vehicles that reduce air pollution in our community and offer significant savings on fuel and maintenance costs. Plug-in hybrid vehicles also reduce air pollution and offer cost savings, though usually at a lower rate than all-electric vehicles. You can also save big with rebates, incentives, and tax credits when you buy an EV or a plug-in hybrid. 

To find existing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations near you, input your address or zip code into this Department of Energy tool.

Rebates and Tax Credits

• The Federal Tax Credit for Electric Vehicles offers up to $7,500 to individuals who purchase a new or used electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

• The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project offers rebates of up to $7,500 to Californians who purchase a new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. There is currently an income cap in place for this program ($135,000 for single tax filers, $175,000 for head-of-household, and $200,000 for joint tax filers). 

  • Income-qualified participants in the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project will also receive a $2,000 EV Charge card to use at public EV charging stations.

• MCE’s instant rebate offers up to $3,500 to income-qualified residents who purchase or lease a new or used EV or plug-in hybrid. MCE's rebate program also includes customer support to help residents take advantage of other available rebates and tax credits.

• The Clean Cars for All Program offers up to $9,500 to income-qualified California residents living in specific zip codes who own vehicle with a model year of 2005 or older to retire their car and purchase a new or used electric vehicle. The program also offers an alternative incentive of up to $7,500 that can be used for public transit or electric biking. Check to see if you are eligible for the program and apply through the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's website.

  • Participants in the Clean Cars for All Program are also eligible for additional funding for vehicle charging: up to $2,000 for a level 2 home charger installation and up to $600 for a level 2 portable charger.

• PG&E's Empower EV Program offers a free Level 2 charger to income-qualifying single-family households who have recently purchased or leased a new or used EV or plug-in hybrid. The program also offers a rebate of up to $2,000 for electrical panel upgrades.

• The Vehicle Buy Back Program offers $1,200 to Bay Area residents who turn in a working car with a model year of 1998 or older. After turning in your car, consider replacing it with an e-bike or an EV!

Automated Charging and Electricity Rates for EV Households

• MCE's Sync App is a great way to automate your EV charging at home to use the least expensive and cleanest energy possible. Residents can earn a $50 sign-up bonus and up to $10 per month by charging during low-carbon events. In addition, MCE Sync automatically charges your EV during the cheapest off-peak hours, which saves you money each time you charge!

• In addition, MCE offers a special rate for households who own or lease electric vehicles.

• PG&E also offers an EV rate (for residents who still buy power generated by PG&E). To learn more about how power is generated and supplied to Walnut Creek and unincorporated areas of Contra Costa, visit our ECO webpage on Community Choice Energy. 

Electric Bicycle Rebate Program

E-bikes are a great way to save money on vehicle fuel, avoid sitting in traffic, and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions-- all while having fun! Contra Costa County offers a $150-300 cash rebate to Walnut Creek residents who purchase a new e-bike. $150 rebates are available for all residents, and $300 rebates are available for income-qualified residents. 

Check out 511 Contra Costa's website to learn more about e-bikes and the Contra Costa rebate program.

Additional Resources

• The nonprofit collaboration Ride and Drive Clean has resources to help prospective buyers of EVs and e-bikes. They also periodically offer exclusive discounts on specific EVs, which can be combined with the other incentives listed above.

• The California Air Resources Board has developed a searchable list of available EV rebates and incentives.

• The U.S. Department of Energy's website on fuel efficiency has a useful calculator that compares vehicles with specific makes and models side by side, so that you can see the mileage, battery range, and resulting fuel cost savings of specific EVs and plug-in hybrids compared to gasoline cars. You can also use the calculator to compare the battery capacities and costs of specific EVs or plug-in hybrids.

• The nonprofit Plug In America has a Used Electric Car Buyers’ Guide to help those interested in purchasing a used EV learn more about different vehicle models, batteries, warranties, and other topics to consider.

• PG&E's EV Savings Calculator calculates the financial savings from buying a new electric car compared to an equivalent gas or diesel car.

• PG&E's website also has additional EV resources for current owners and prospective buyers of electric vehicles, including information on installing an EV charger.

EV Charging Stations

There are many programs offering funding to cover the installation costs and equipment costs for EV charging stations, which can help businesses save money, eliminate tailpipe emissions, and simplify vehicle maintenance. These programs can often be combined for deeper cost savings at workplaces, multi-family homes, destination sites, and more.

• MCE provides rebates for EV charging stations that can be combined with other programs to decrease the cost of EV infrastructure. Rebates are available for sites that use either Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. Higher rebate amounts are available if charging stations receive 100% renewable energy through MCE's Deep Green. MCE's program also includes technical assistance and educational materials for building occupants.

• Communities in Charge provides an incentive of up to $3,500 for each Level 2 charging station that a business installs. Each charger built at a multi-family residential property receives an additional $3,500. The program is statewide and is funded by the California Energy Commission.

• PG&E’s EV Fleet Program helps businesses and organizations easily and cost-effectively install EV charging stations. The program provides incentives and rebates and assistance with site design and permitting, construction and activation, and maintenance and upgrades.

• The federal government offers a tax credit for 30% of the equipment cost (up to $100,000) to businesses who install EV chargers. The equipment must be installed in areas designated as low-income by California's AB 1550.

• The state of California has developed a comprehensive Funding Finder Tool for Medium-Duty and Heavy-Duty EVs and EV charging infrastructure.

To find existing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations near you, input your address or zip code into this Department of Energy tool.