Extensive Fast Charging
17,180+ DC fast ports support regional travel.
States / California
EV Charging Costs in California
Data updated: February 16, 2026
California is the largest EV market in the U.S., but it is also one of the highest-cost states for residential electricity. For most drivers, the biggest cost lever is not the vehicle itself, but when charging happens. Shifting charging away from late-afternoon peak windows can materially improve monthly cost outcomes, especially in high-usage households.
Average Rate
$0.32/kWh
Rank #49 out of 50
Major Cities Tracked
5
Local rate snapshots
Charging Stations
18,879
Public stations tracked
Average Electricity Rates in California
Residential electricity benchmark and utility snapshots for EV owners.
$0.32/kWh
$0.14/kWh above US average
up 5.1%
Time-of-use EV plans can materially lower overnight charging costs.
| Utility | Avg Rate |
|---|---|
| Pacific Gas & Electric | $0.35/kWh |
| Southern California Edison | $0.31/kWh |
| San Diego Gas & Electric | $0.34/kWh |
Utility Context for California EV Drivers
California investor-owned utilities use time-of-use structures for EV-focused plans. Peak windows are typically in the 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. range, so scheduled charging remains the most practical way to manage cost.
- PG&E EV plans (including EV2-A/EV-B pathways) use TOU pricing; EV2-A guidance emphasizes lower-price charging outside the 4-9 p.m. peak window.
- SCE highlights TOU-D-PRIME for EV and electrified-home customers, with highest pricing in the 4-9 p.m. period and lower pricing outside that window.
- SDG&E EV-oriented residential plans (EV-TOU-5 and TOU-ELEC) are also TOU-based; TOU-ELEC publishes a 4-9 p.m. on-peak period and lower super off-peak windows.
- Plan details can vary by season, billing component, and provider setup (utility + CCA), so drivers should verify current tariff sheets before switching plans.
Rates updated monthly | Source: EIA and utility filings.
Why Choose California for EV Ownership
High EV Adoption
7.2% of modeled vehicle activity is electric.
EV Charging Costs by City in California
View more California cities ->| City | Avg Rate | Monthly Cost Estimate | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $0.29/kWh | $76.32/month | View city page -> |
| San Francisco | $0.35/kWh | $92.11/month | View city page -> |
| San Diego | $0.31/kWh | $81.58/month | View city page -> |
| Sacramento | $0.30/kWh | $78.95/month | View city page -> |
| San Jose | $0.33/kWh | $86.84/month | View city page -> |
EV Charging Stations in California
Level 2 Ports
45,120
DC Fast Ports
17,180
Stations per 100k Residents
47.7
US average: 23.0
Available networks:
Map results are scoped to California and update per state page.
Calculate Your California EV Charging Costs
Start with your ZIP code and EV model to open the full savings calculator.
How California Compares to Nearby States
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a realistic monthly charging budget in California?
For most drivers in California, 1,000 monthly miles usually lands near $84.21 in home-charging cost at the current $0.32/kWh benchmark.
How do city charging rates vary inside California?
Anaheim is among the lowest in this state sample at $0.28/kWh, while Fresno reaches about $0.36/kWh.
How strong is charging access across California?
California shows about 18,879 public charging locations, 17,180 DC fast ports, and roughly 47.7 locations per 100k residents (US avg 23.0).
Is California cheaper than nearby states for charging?
Idaho is currently lower at $0.12/kWh, while California is $0.32/kWh. Check the neighbor comparison table for the full spread.
Which charging networks are most visible in California?
Commonly listed networks include ChargePoint Network, Tesla Destination, Non-Networked, with station availability varying by metro and highway corridor.
Ready to calculate your exact charging costs in California?
Enter your ZIP code and EV model to get a personalized monthly charging estimate in under 30 seconds.
Internal Resources
Data updated monthly where available, with modeled estimates for missing local values.