GM and PG&E Launched Electric Vehicle Charging Program
Northern and Central California residents can save on home charging equipment through a new incentive bundle.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
Live Poll
Do you think utility companies should offer financial incentives to manage home EV charging schedules?
General Motors and Pacific Gas and Electric have introduced the Smart Charge Bundle, offering eligible EV buyers potential savings on home charging hardware. The program is available to residential customers throughout Northern and Central California.
Why it matters
This partnership aims to simplify the transition to home electric vehicle charging by streamlining equipment procurement and offering ongoing utility bill credits. It provides a financial incentive for owners to manage their charging load during high-demand hours.
Participating customers can receive equipment savings up to $1,999 and $15 in monthly credits, with the incentive period running through February 2027. Available chargers include the 11.5 kW PowerUp 2 and the 19.2 kW bidirectional-ready PowerShift model.
The players
General Motors
An automotive manufacturer producing Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC electric vehicles.
Pacific Gas and Electric
The primary utility provider serving Northern and Central California residential customers.
The details
Customers can enroll at participating Chevrolet, Cadillac, or GMC dealerships and must utilize the GM Energy preferred installer network. The EV Charge Manager program automatically schedules charging sessions to balance electricity demand and costs. Participants are responsible for all costs related to electrical upgrades, permits, and professional installation.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: The partnership between GM and PG&E was announced.
February 2027: The current Smart Charge Bundle incentive period is scheduled to conclude.
The Home Front
This initiative follows a trend of utilities integrating smart-home charging into regional grid management strategies. It complements state-wide time-of-use electricity pricing models by offering direct financial incentives for off-peak energy consumption.
If you are considering a new EV, verify if your home's current electrical panel requires an upgrade, which must be performed by a licensed professional. You should also coordinate with your dealership to confirm your specific address falls within the PG&E service region.
The takeaway
The partnership provides a concrete path to reduce the upfront cost of home charging infrastructure for new electric vehicle owners. Contact your local Chevrolet, Cadillac, or GMC dealer to confirm if you qualify for the Smart Charge Bundle before the February 2027 deadline.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in home energy in our Electric Vehicles section.
Live Poll
Do you think utility companies should offer financial incentives to manage home EV charging schedules?
