What PG&E pays
These figures come from PG&E's Residential EV Charging rebate page, which we read on October 2, 2026. You must be an active PG&E residential electric customer, which includes customers served by a community choice aggregator, and own or lease a qualifying battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle with a current California registration.
Standard option
Of the purchase price of one option from PG&E's eligible EV charging equipment list, after installation.
Rebate Plus, charger
For installing an eligible EV charger. Income below 80% of area median, or participation in a qualifying assistance program.
Rebate Plus, panel upgrade
For a panel upgrade and an eligible charger. The rebate goes to a Trade Ally Network contractor, which removes the upfront cost up to the rebate.
Limit
First come, first served.
What the two paths look like
On the standard path you buy and install the charger first, then apply within 180 days and PG&E mails a cheque about 15 business days after you apply. On the Rebate Plus path you apply first, PG&E pre-approves you in about 10 business days, and you pick a contractor from its Trade Ally Network, who assesses your panel, files the permit and installs the equipment, with the rebate paid to them. Rebate Plus is the better deal if you qualify, because it can cover the panel too.
Who qualifies for Rebate Plus
You qualify if your household income is under 80% of the area median for your county and household size, if you took part in the Rebate Plus option of PG&E's pre-owned EV program in the last 12 months, or if you are enrolled in a qualifying public assistance program such as CalFresh, CalWorks, LIHEAP, Medi-Cal (income-qualified), WIC or SSI. You prove it with a household summary form and an IRS Form 4506-C, or a recent program letter. Check the income table on PG&E's page for Fresno County.
What to gather first
For the standard option, PG&E asks for your PG&E electric bill with account number and Service Agreement ID, your California registration card for the EV, proof of purchase of the charger, photos of the installed equipment with serial numbers, and the electrician's invoice for hard-wired equipment. Applications take about 10 business days to process. Gather these before you install so nothing is missing later.
Fresno permits and your electrician
The City of Fresno's Building and Safety division issues same-day express permits for electrical work in person and takes applications online through Accela. See the City's page. On the Rebate Plus path your Trade Ally contractor files the permit. On the standard path, make sure your electrician pulls one and keep the invoice, since PG&E asks for it.
Panel limits and avoiding an upgrade
PG&E says the program minimizes costly electrical service upgrades, and it publishes a guide to options for avoiding a panel upgrade, such as load management. Ask your electrician to do a load calculation first. If the panel needs work, a Rebate Plus panel upgrade can cover up to $5,000, and PG&E's Your Projects portal assesses service upgrades for electrification projects.
More EV help
PG&E's rebates page also lists a pre-owned EV rebate of up to $4,000. We did not read its terms, so check them directly. The federal 25C and 25D tax credits ended after December 31, 2025. Fresno's average January low over 2015 to 2024 was 4.5°C, so a garage charger runs fine in winter.
How to claim the PG&E rebate
- Confirm that you are an active PG&E residential electric customer with a qualifying EV registered in California.
- Decide whether you qualify for Rebate Plus, and if so apply first and wait for pre-approval.
- Choose a charger from PG&E's eligible equipment list.
- Have it installed under a City of Fresno electrical permit.
- Gather your bill, registration, receipt, photos with serial numbers and the electrician's invoice.
- Apply within 180 days of purchase on the standard path, and allow about 10 business days.
Common questions
How much does PG&E pay for an EV charger?
Up to 50% of approved equipment on the standard option. Income-qualified households can get up to $2,000 for a charger or up to $5,000 with a panel upgrade.
Do I apply before or after I buy?
On the standard option, after, within 180 days of purchase. On Rebate Plus, before, so a Trade Ally contractor can do the work.
How many rebates can I get?
One per eligible household.
How long does it take?
PG&E says about 10 business days to process, then the cheque is mailed within 5 business days.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. In Fresno, electrical permits are available same day in person through Building and Safety.
What to do next
See PG&E's EV charging rebate page, or compare all Fresno programs on our Fresno hub.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read October 2, 2026: PG&E Residential EV Charging rebate, PG&E rebates and incentives, City of Fresno Building and Safety. All Fresno rebates → Every PG&E rebate →