What Riverside Public Utilities pays
These figures come from RPU's EV rebates page, which we read on October 2, 2026. Only residential RPU electric customers qualify.
Level 2 home charger
For a 240-volt plug-in charger installed at your residence on or after July 1, 2021.
SHARE customers, charger
For qualified low-income customers in RPU's SHARE program.
Used EV
For a used battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle purchased or leased after January 1, 2023.
SHARE customers, used EV
For qualified low-income SHARE customers.
A used EV and a charger together
A household that buys a used EV and installs a Level 2 charger can claim up to $1,000 + $1,500 = $2,500, and a SHARE household up to $4,000 + $2,500 = $6,500. RPU says the amounts are up to figures, so check the program guidelines for the exact limits and what the rebate is based on.
Check the panel before you buy
RPU's own EV checklist asks whether your current panel supports a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, or whether an upgrade is required. That is the question that decides your real cost. Ask an electrician for a load calculation before you buy a charger, and ask whether a load management device could avoid a panel upgrade. RPU's page does not mention a panel rebate, and we found none.
What the charger rules look like in practice
Level 2 chargers run on 240 volts and typically add much more range per hour than the plug that comes with the car. Many households do fine with a basic wall unit and a dedicated circuit. A smart or networked charger can cost more and RPU's page does not say it pays more, so compare quotes on the price of the unit and the circuit, and ask the electrician to write the amperage and wire run on the invoice. RPU asks you to send the application and guidelines documents it publishes, so keep every receipt.
RPU's EV rates
The page points to RPU's EV rates, which may make overnight charging cheaper. We did not read the rate details, so ask RPU what the EV rate costs at each hour and what it requires, such as a separate meter, before you decide. If you also add a battery under RPU's rebate, you must be on a time-of-use rate anyway (Riverside battery rebates).
Permits for a charger
An EV charger circuit needs an electrical permit from the City's Building and Safety division, which says some permits can be issued same day and others need plan review. See the City's permits page. Riverside's average January low over 2015 to 2024 was 6.8°C, so a garage charger works year-round.
More EV help outside RPU
RPU's page lists South Coast AQMD's Replace Your Ride program, for income-eligible residents to trade in an old vehicle for up to $12,000 or take $7,500 toward public transit or an e-bike, and CARB's Driving Clean Assistance Program, which offers low-income customers grants of up to $12,000. CARB's MyFirstEV gives $3,500 for a new and $1,750 for a used vehicle at the point of sale to first-time buyers. We did not read those programs' own terms, so check them before you count on them.
How to claim an RPU EV rebate
- Confirm that Riverside Public Utilities is your electric utility.
- Ask an electrician to check your panel and plan the circuit.
- Install a Level 2 (240-volt) charger with the required City permit.
- Keep the receipts and the permit record.
- Apply through RPU's EV rebate application and guidelines.
- For a used EV, apply with proof of purchase or lease.
Common questions
How much does RPU pay for a home charger?
Up to $1,500, or up to $2,500 for qualified low-income SHARE customers.
Does RPU pay for a used EV?
Yes, up to $1,000 for a used battery electric or plug-in hybrid bought or leased after January 1, 2023, or up to $4,000 for SHARE customers.
Is there a panel upgrade rebate?
We found none on RPU's pages.
Which date applies to chargers?
Chargers installed on or after July 1, 2021.
Do I need a permit?
An electrical permit from the City's Building and Safety division is typically needed for a charger circuit.
What to do next
See RPU's EV rebates page, or compare all Riverside offers on our Riverside hub.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read October 2, 2026: Riverside Public Utilities EV rebates, City of Riverside Building and Safety permits, Riverside Public Utilities rebates and programs. All Riverside rebates → Every Riverside Public Utilities rebate →