The state of California in the US is one of the leading figures in zero-emission mobility. However, the state regulators are still making moves to make electric trucks and buses more attractive for fleet operators and persuade them to switch from ICE vehicles. One of such moves is a new charging rate to reduce the cost of refueling.
The new rate is dynamic as it changes by the hour, based on demand. This will allow fleet operators to target periods when electricity is cheaper to charge their vehicles. This could be off-peak times or when the electricity supply is surplus.
Pacific Gas & Electric Company has been approved to offer the new rate, which will enable more cost savings for truck and bus companies, which will result in less total cost of ownership.
All PG&E customers can now request the new rate as long as they are within the utility company’s service territory, which covers northern and central California. The plan is that fleet operators will work out that charging electric vehicles at this new rate is cheaper than running on fossil fuel and will be more motivated to make the switch.
The government has identified key sectors and areas where PG&E is to prioritize with this new charging rate. This includes disadvantaged and vulnerable communities within the state. PG&E is expected to focus its marketing and education effort on these sectors.
California is going as far as mandating PG&E to offer a lower rate when there is excess renewable energy in the system, thereby incentivizing the fleet operators to consume clean energy.
Other methods the state is using to push for clean mobility include new regulations like the Advanced Clean Truck rule and executive orders by the governor, like the one that mandates all new vehicles to be zero-emission in the next 15 years.
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