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Get the right charger
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Types of chargers
There are currently 3 ways you can charge an EV. Over 80% of EV charging happens at home because it's fast, easy and affordable and allows you to wake up fully charged and ready to go.
For many customers, a Level 1 charger is all that's needed, and it will save you money on potential panel upgrades and installation costs.
Level 1 charger
120V outlet (standard outlet)
What to know
- Charger provided with many new EVs.
- Gain about 3-5 miles of range per hour of charging.
- Great for overnight or workplace charging.
- Ideal for typical commutes:
- Up to 40 miles in 10-12 hours
- 20-25 miles during midnight - 6 AM charging discount period
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Add 40 miles of range while you sleep. |
Level 2 charger
240V outlet (dryer outlet)
What to know
- Gain 25+ miles of range per hour of charging depending on power output level.
- Faster charging for longer drives.
- Ideal for daily commuters with 35+ miles/day and/or limited charging time.
- May require electric panel upgrade.
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4-8 hours empty to fully charged |
DC fast charger
Public charging
What to know
- Charging cost varies based on the network.
- 3 different connectors depending on vehicle.
- Ideal for long road trips.
- You can supplement home charging while at school or work.
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0 to 80% in 30-40 minutes |
Circuit sharing devices
An alternative to a panel upgrade is a circuit sharing device. It allows two appliances, such as an electric clothes dryer and an EV charger, to share the same circuit. View SMUD incentives for circuit and other energy management devices.
Common EV charging questions
Does SMUD offer rebates or incentives for installing an EV charger at my home?
Yes. If you decide Level 1 charging doesn’t meet your needs, the SMUD Charge@Home program offers customers up to $1,000 toward EV charging equipment and installation costs. Learn more about the Charge@Home incentive and view eligible EV chargers.
What is the average price for EV charger installations?
The average median installation cost for an EV circuit installation is $1,015 (minimum $400, maximum $4,157). The average median installation cost for an EV charger and EV circuit installation is $1,653 (minimum $705, maximum $4,617). Average costs are before any SMUD, statewide or federal tax credits are applied and are from residential projects in the SMUD Charge@Home program through the SMUD Contractor Network offering over the past 12 months.
Do I need a panel upgrade to install an EV charger at my home?
Not necessarily. A circuit sharing or energy management device is an alternative to a circuit panel upgrade and can save you money.
- A circuit sharing device allows two appliances, such as an electric clothes dryer and an EV charger, to share the same circuit.
- An energy management device can control your EV charger to avoid overloading your main breaker.
SMUD offers an up to $200 rebate on circuit sharing and energy management devices. If you’re considering one of these devices and have more questions, you can contact a SMUD EV Advisor to discuss your personal charging needs.
EV rate discount
Register your EV on My Account to receive a 1.5¢ discount on all electric usage between midnight and 6 AM. For a SMUD account to receive the EV rate credit, a plug-in electric vehicle must be registered with the DMV using the same service address as the SMUD account.
Federal tax credit
You may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500 if you purchased an all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Tax credits apply to both new and pre-owned plug-in and fuel cell electric vehicles. Learn more about tax credits, qualifying vehicles and incentive amounts per vehicle.
SMUD Charge@Home
If you bought a plug-in EV, you could get up to $1,000 toward EV charging equipment and installation costs. Apply for SMUD Charge@Home.
Managed EV Charging
Get rewarded for charging your EV when it’s best for the electricity grid and when it allows us to use more renewable energy. Learn about our Managed EV Charging program.
Income-eligible incentives
Clean Cars 4 All
Income-eligible customers get up to $12,000 towards the purchase of a new or used EV. Review the qualification details.
SMUD Charge@Home
If you're enrolled in or qualify for SMUD’s Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR), you're eligible for free EV charger and installation. If you're not enrolled, you can check your eligibility with our qualification tool. Learn more about EV charger and installation for income-eligible customers.
EV Estimator
Compare the cost to buy and drive an EV versus a gas engine vehicle. You can access the estimator two ways:
- Log in to My Account to calculate your actual electricity usage and get a side-by-side cost comparison between vehicles.
- Use our online estimator to enter your own data. You'll get a rough estimate of the cost to drive an EV.
To browse vehicles and incentives, visit ElectricForAll.org provided by Veloz, a Sacramento-based, SMUD partner driving towards 100% zero-emission vehicles.
Test drive an EV
One of the best ways to experience an EV is to take one for a test drive at a ride and drive event.
SMUD EV Advisors
We have a dedicated team to provide you enhanced EV support. We can help you understand the basics of EV ownership and answer questions like:
- How can I get charging equipment in my home?
- How does the federal EV tax credit work?
- What does it cost to charge an electric car?
- Where can I find a dealer with staff knowledgeable about EVs?
- Do I need a panel upgrade if I charge my EV at home?
Contact us
- Email: EVSupport@smud.org
- Phone: 1-833-243-4236
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 7 PM
Charging stations
Choose from more than 1,500 public charging stations in the Sacramento area.
We're here to answer your EV questions
Call us for free at 1-833-243-4236 to explore options that work best for you.
You can also submit the form below to get an email response.
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