What Pasadena Water and Power pays
These figures come from PWP's residential EV and charger incentive page, which we read on October 2, 2026. The charger must be new, wall-mounted and Level 2 (240 volt).
Wi-Fi or internet-connected charger
For a new Level 2 charger that connects to the internet.
Standard charger
For a new Level 2 charger without Wi-Fi or an internet connection.
Chargers per address
The most PWP will rebate at one residential address.
Used EV purchase
Plus $250 for a Pasadena dealer purchase and up to $1,000 more for income-qualified customers.
Two things that cost people the rebate
PWP does not rebate a new 240-volt outlet, and it does not rebate a charger that can switch between Level 1 and Level 2. If your installer proposes a plug-in charger on an outlet, that setup does not qualify. The rebate also cannot exceed what the equipment cost, and other incentives you received are subtracted first.
What the rules say about the hardware
PWP wants a new, wall-mounted Level 2 charger with an SAE J1772 plug or a Tesla connector, tested by a nationally recognized lab. Portable, leased, resold or rebuilt units do not count. A hard-wired charger, or any new or changed 240-volt socket, needs an electrical permit from the City of Pasadena's Building and Safety Division. PWP's page gives the City's permit line as 626-744-4200, and the work must be done by a licensed contractor.
That is a stricter list than most utilities publish, so read it before you buy. A charger bought on a sale that turns out to be switchable between levels would not qualify, and the rebate would not apply to it.
Your utility: Pasadena Water and Power
PWP pays this rebate and is also who you call if the new load pushes your service to its limit. Only residential PWP electric customers qualify. Charging at home adds to your electric bill, so ask PWP whether a different rate would suit you. We did not find a PWP time-of-use rate for EV owners on the pages we read, so confirm that with PWP directly instead of assuming one exists.
Older houses and the panel question
Many Pasadena homes date from before EVs were imagined, and homeowners with older panels often wonder whether they must pay for a service upgrade. Not always. An electrician does a load calculation first. Some chargers can lower their speed when the house is using a lot of power, which can avoid an upgrade on a smaller panel. Ask the electrician to show the calculation on paper.
PWP has no rebate for a panel upgrade that we could find. Glendale pays $1,000 for one when it comes with a heat pump or a heat pump water heater, so the gap matters if the panel is the real cost. A smart charger that earns the $600 rebate and also manages load can help on both counts.
If you are buying a used EV
PWP pays up to $250 for a used plug-in EV, and $250 more if you buy from a Pasadena auto dealer. Direct-sale makers such as Tesla, Rivian and Lucid, where the sale finishes online, do not get the dealer bonus. Customers in one of PWP's income-qualifying programs can add $1,000. The car must be bought, not leased, registered in California at the PWP customer's address, and two years or older than the calendar year of the application. Gifts and transfers from family do not count, and PWP allows two EV incentives per account.
The federal charger credit
PWP's page says the federal credit for home charging equipment, 30% of hardware and installation up to $1,000 in eligible census tracts, ends for projects placed in service after June 30, 2026. Local PWP rebates are separate from it. If your charger goes in after that date, count on the PWP rebate only, and ask a tax professional about anything earlier.
How to claim the PWP charger rebate
- Check that PWP is your electric utility. The name is on your electric bill.
- Choose a new, wall-mounted Level 2 charger. If you want the $600 amount, pick a model that connects to the internet.
- Hire a licensed electrician and have them pull the City of Pasadena electrical permit before work starts.
- After the install, log in to your PWP account and apply for the rebate with the paid invoice and the permit information.
- Apply within 180 days of the purchase date.
- Expect PWP to review the application, and possibly inspect the installation.
Common questions
How much is the EV charger rebate in Pasadena?
$600 for a new internet-connected Level 2 charger and $200 for a standard one, up to two chargers per address.
Does PWP pay for a new 240-volt outlet?
No. A new or existing outlet is not eligible, and neither is a charger that can switch between Level 1 and Level 2.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. A hard-wired charger or a new 240-volt socket needs an electrical permit from the City of Pasadena, and a licensed contractor must do the work.
Can I get a rebate for a used electric car?
Yes, up to $250, with a $250 bonus for a Pasadena dealer purchase and $1,000 more for income-qualified customers. The car must be purchased, not leased.
Does PWP pay for a panel upgrade?
We found no PWP panel upgrade rebate. Ask your electrician whether load management can avoid the upgrade.
What to do next
See PWP's EV and charger program page for the application, or compare all Pasadena offers on our Pasadena hub. An emailed plan lists top-rated local installers.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read September 28, 2026: PWP EV and charger incentive program, PWP residential rebates and programs, City of Pasadena Permit Center. All Pasadena rebates → Every Pasadena Water and Power rebate →