States / California / San Diego
EV Charging Costs in San Diego, California
San Diego, CA
San Diego is a high-adoption EV market where charging cost outcomes are strongly tied to tariff timing and trip profile. Although local charging access is broad, monthly spend can vary significantly depending on when drivers charge and how much they depend on public fast charging. In most households, a home-first schedule with off-peak discipline remains the most reliable path to lower cost per mile.
Primary utility: San Diego Gas & Electric
Rate: $0.31/kWh
TOU available: Yes
EV rebate: $350.00
San Diego: $0.31/kWh
California average: $0.32/kWh
National average: $0.18/kWh
Monthly Charging Costs in San Diego
| Vehicle | Monthly Cost (1,000 mi) | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | $81.58 | View vehicle -> |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $147.62 | View vehicle -> |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | $77.50 | View vehicle -> |
EV Charging Stations in San Diego
Total
886
Level 2
2,360
DC Fast
594
Density
65.3/100k
Available networks in San Diego:
ChargePoint Charging Station
ChargePoint
1548 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
0.6 miles away
Blink
Blink
San Diego, CA
0.2 miles away
ChargePoint
ChargePoint
San Diego, CA
3.6 miles away
Public Network Charging Station 4
Public Network
San Diego, CA
2.2 miles away
Public Network Charging Station 5
Public Network
San Diego, CA
2.2 miles away
Map shows public charging station search results across San Diego.
San Diego Local Charging Insights
In San Diego, charging economics are schedule-driven. Time-of-use behavior usually has a larger cost impact than small differences between EV models.
- SDG&E territory pricing makes charging-hour selection critical; unmanaged peak-hour charging can materially increase annual electricity spend.
- San Diego's station footprint is strong, but frequent DC fast charging for routine local travel can narrow EV cost advantages over efficient gasoline vehicles.
- For commuters and mixed-use households, a predictable overnight Level 2 routine is typically the most stable way to control monthly charging costs.
- Apartment and multifamily access is improving, but effective charging reliability still depends on recurring access windows and backup locations.
- High regional EV adoption supports infrastructure growth, yet practical savings still come from matching your daily mileage pattern to utility tariff timing.
How San Diego Compares
| Location | Rate | Model 3 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego | $0.31/kWh | $81.58 |
| California Avg | $0.32/kWh | $83.93 |
| US Avg | $0.18/kWh | $47.37 |
| Chula Vista | $0.36/kWh | $94.74 |
| Escondido | $0.32/kWh | $84.21 |
| Oceanside | $0.28/kWh | $73.68 |
Peak: $0.44/kWh
Off-peak: $0.19/kWh
Savings: 56% overnight
Rebate: $350.00
Population: 1,355,896
EV adoption: 8.8%
Average commute: 27.3 minutes
EV adoption rank in California: #6
Market: Great for EVs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a realistic monthly charging cost in San Diego?
Using San Diego's local rate ($0.31/kWh), a typical 1,000-mile month often models around $81.58 in home-charging cost.
Is home charging in San Diego cheaper than public fast charging?
For a 1,000-mile baseline, home-rate charging in San Diego is about $36.84 cheaper per month than a public fast benchmark.
How does San Diego compare with nearby cities on rates?
Nearby, Oceanside is lower at $0.28/kWh while Chula Vista is higher at $0.36/kWh. San Diego is $0.31/kWh.
How many public chargers are available in San Diego?
San Diego has 886 public stations, including 594 DC fast chargers.
What utility programs matter most for EV drivers in San Diego?
San Diego Gas & Electric supports time-of-use pricing with potential peak-to-off-peak spread near 56%. Listed rebate potential reaches $350.00.
EV Charging Costs in Nearby Cities
Calculate your exact San Diego charging costs
Use your ZIP, vehicle, and mileage profile for a personalized estimate.
Station density context: 65.3/100k in San Diego, 40.2/100k statewide, 28.9/100k across tracked US cities.