Electric Vehicles in Pennsylvania
- Factsheet
Why electric vehicles and solar?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming a more affordable and lower maintenance option than traditional gasoline- or diesel-fueled cars for Pennsylvanians.
Electric Vehicles and solar in Pennsylvania
As of July 2023, more than 47,000 electric vehicles have been registered in Pennsylvania. The state’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle rebate program offers incentives from $2,000 to $3,000 (depending on household income) when you purchase a battery electric vehicle or truck. Rebates are the same for new and pre-owned vehicles.
Electric vehicles and charging stations are accessible throughout Ohio, with 1,771 charging station locations. See the full list here, on the U.S. Department of Energy Electric Vehicle Charging Station Location feature. A grant program helps school districts, municipalities, nonprofits, and other organizations cover the cost of converting vehicle fleets to alternative fuels. Depending on your county, your non-gasoline-powered vehicle may be exempt from your vehicle emissions test.
Electric Vehicle Charging Guide
EV chargers are classified into three categories: level 1, level 2, and level 3 (DC Fast charging). The categories are defined by the power and rate at which they charge a vehicle, and the electric infrastructure required for installation and operation.
Explore our Electric Vehicle Charging Guide.
Learn the basics of electric vehicles and how an EV charger can save you money while strengthening the grid.
Electric Vehicle Charging and Time-of-Use Rates
Homeowners who charge their EVs at home may benefit from signing up for Time-of-Use billing from their electric utility. Time-of-Use rates designates certain times of day as “peak”, “off-peak” and “super off-peak”. Peak hours, typically in the afternoon to early evening, are when most electric customers are using electricity in their homes.
To level out demand, utilities offer incentives like Time-of-Use rates to shift demand to off-peak hours, mornings, and late evenings. Utilities charge more for electricity use during peak hours and lower rates for using electricity during off-peak hours. Very late night to very early morning hours may be further designated as “super off-peak” and have the lowest rates for electricity usage.
If a homeowner is using a substantial amount of electricity to charge their EV, Time-of-Use rates make it much cheaper to charge an EV during off-peak or super off-peak hours. The difference between peak and off-peak can be as much as 500%. Learn more about Time-of-Use pricing.
Pennsylvania resources
- Pennsylvania EV laws and incentives
- Duquesne Light Co. offers a $50 rebate to their customers for driving electric.
- PECO offers a $50 rebate to their customers for driving electric
- PPL offers Time-of-Use Rates to its customers
- PECO offers Time-of-Use Rates to its customers
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