States / California / San Francisco
EV Charging Costs in San Francisco, California
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is a high-adoption EV city with strong charging coverage, but it also operates in a high-cost electricity environment where timing decisions directly affect monthly spend. For most drivers, the biggest savings come from disciplined off-peak charging and minimizing routine reliance on public fast charging. In dense neighborhoods, access reliability and parking pattern often matter as much as the posted kWh rate.
Primary utility: Pacific Gas and Electric
Rate: $0.30/kWh
TOU available: Yes
EV rebate: $500.00
San Francisco: $0.30/kWh
California average: $0.32/kWh
National average: $0.18/kWh
Monthly Charging Costs in San Francisco
| Vehicle | Monthly Cost (1,000 mi) | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | $78.95 | View vehicle -> |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $142.86 | View vehicle -> |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | $75.00 | View vehicle -> |
EV Charging Stations in San Francisco
Total
603
Level 2
1,223
DC Fast
236
Density
72/100k
Available networks in San Francisco:
Public Network Charging Station 1
Public Network
San Francisco, CA
2.1 miles away
Public Network Charging Station 2
Public Network
San Francisco, CA
2.6 miles away
Public Network Charging Station 3
Public Network
San Francisco, CA
5.6 miles away
Public Network Charging Station 4
Public Network
San Francisco, CA
4.5 miles away
Public Network Charging Station 5
Public Network
San Francisco, CA
4.5 miles away
Map shows public charging station search results across San Francisco.
San Francisco Local Charging Insights
San Francisco EV economics are access-and-timing driven. The strongest cost control usually comes from TOU discipline and a dependable home-or-near-home charging routine.
- PG&E TOU-style pricing means charge timing is critical; unmanaged peak-hour charging can materially raise annual electricity cost per mile.
- San Francisco has relatively high station density, but practical availability still changes by neighborhood parking type and daypart demand.
- For apartment and shared-garage households, recurring overnight Level 2 access typically delivers better cost stability than frequent DC fast charging.
- Short urban trips can improve efficiency outcomes, but congestion and curbside parking constraints often shift real-world charging behavior toward convenience-first sessions.
- In this market, drivers usually get the best long-term economics by combining utility plan optimization, predictable weekly cadence, and backup station planning.
How San Francisco Compares
| Location | Rate | Model 3 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $0.30/kWh | $78.95 |
| California Avg | $0.32/kWh | $83.93 |
| US Avg | $0.18/kWh | $47.37 |
| Oakland | $0.30/kWh | $78.95 |
| Hayward | $0.28/kWh | $73.68 |
| Fremont | $0.31/kWh | $81.58 |
Peak: $0.50/kWh
Off-peak: $0.22/kWh
Savings: 56% overnight
Rebate: $500.00
Population: 837,442
EV adoption: 9.1%
Average commute: 30.4 minutes
EV adoption rank in California: #3
Market: Great for EVs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a realistic monthly charging cost in San Francisco?
At $0.30/kWh, 1,000 monthly miles is about $78.95 for an efficient sedan-like profile around 3.8 mi/kWh.
Is home charging in San Francisco cheaper than public fast charging?
For a 1,000-mile baseline, home-rate charging in San Francisco is about $39.47 cheaper per month than a public fast benchmark.
How does San Francisco compare with nearby cities on rates?
Nearby, Hayward is lower at $0.28/kWh while San Jose is higher at $0.33/kWh. San Francisco is $0.30/kWh.
How many public chargers are available in San Francisco?
San Francisco has 603 public stations, including 236 DC fast chargers.
What utility programs matter most for EV drivers in San Francisco?
Pacific Gas and Electric supports time-of-use pricing with potential peak-to-off-peak spread near 56%. Listed rebate potential reaches $500.00.
EV Charging Costs in Nearby Cities
Calculate your exact San Francisco charging costs
Use your ZIP, vehicle, and mileage profile for a personalized estimate.
Station density context: 72/100k in San Francisco, 40.2/100k statewide, 28.9/100k across tracked US cities.