Active ProgramLast verified: 2026-07-19

PG&E Empower EV Program (Free Charger for Low-Income)

Save up to

Free Level 2 charger ($500) + up to $2,000 panel upgrade

Provider

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

PG&E's Empower EV Program provides a FREE Level 2 EV charger (valued at $500) plus covers up to $2,000 in electrical panel upgrade costs for income-qualified single-family homeowners. This is one of the most generous EV programs in California — eligible households can get a complete home charging setup at no cost. The program targets CARE/FERA-enrolled PG&E customers who don't already have a Level 2 charger at home.

✓Must be a PG&E residential customer
✓Must be income-qualified (enrolled in CARE or FERA)
✓Must live in a single-family home
✓Must NOT already have a Level 2 EV charger installed
✓Must own or lease an electric vehicle (or have one on order)
✓One charger per household

How to Apply

1Verify you're enrolled in PG&E's CARE or FERA program (check your bill or call PG&E)
2Apply online through PG&E's Empower EV portal
3PG&E will assess your electrical panel and determine if an upgrade is needed
4If panel upgrade needed: PG&E covers up to $2,000 of the upgrade cost
5PG&E ships a free Level 2 charger to your home
6Schedule professional installation (covered by the program)
7Start charging your EV at home for free

Qualifying Equipment & Services

●Free Level 2 EV charger provided by PG&E (you don't choose the model)
●Electrical panel upgrade to 200 amps if needed (covered up to $2,000)
●Dedicated 240V circuit for EV charging
●Professional installation included

Related Services

EV Charger Installation Panel Upgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Empower EV charger really free?+

Yes — PG&E provides a free Level 2 EV charger (valued at ~$500) at no cost to qualifying households. They also cover up to $2,000 for panel upgrades if your electrical system needs it. There is no cost to the homeowner for the charger itself.

How do I qualify for CARE or FERA?+

CARE: household income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines (e.g., ~$60,000/year for family of 4). FERA: 3+ person household with income between 200-250% of poverty guidelines. Apply at pge.com or call 1-866-743-2273.

Can I use Empower EV AND the Residential Charging Solutions rebate?+

No — these programs cannot be combined. Empower EV is a standalone program for CARE/FERA customers. However, you may still be able to claim the federal 30C tax credit on any out-of-pocket costs.

What if I don't have an EV yet?+

You generally need to own, lease, or have an EV on order to qualify. Check PG&E's current program requirements as they may have updated eligibility criteria.