GM Energy and PG&E Facilitate Home Charging for First-Time EV Buyers
Date: September 23, 2026
GM Energy and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) have teamed up to simplify home charging for new electric vehicle (EV) buyers in Northern and Central California through an initiative called the Smart Charge Bundle. This program aims to make EV ownership more accessible, offering eligible PG&E residential customers access to home chargers and smart-charging incentives directly at participating Chevrolet, GMC, or Cadillac dealerships.
Upfront Charger Value and Ongoing Savings
The Smart Charge Bundle introduces home charging as a central topic during the EV purchase process. Customers can discuss their charging requirements and select a GM Energy PowerShift or PowerUp 2 charger at no additional hardware cost, valued at up to $1,999. Installation and permitting are separate costs borne by the customer.
- PowerUp 2 Charger: Offers Level 2 charging.
- PowerShift Charger: Can facilitate bidirectional charging, allowing energy transfer back to the home during outages or for future vehicle-to-grid programs.
Savings Through Smart Charging
Through PG&E’s EV Charge Manager program, participants may receive a $15 bill credit monthly and potentially save an extra $50 by charging during off-peak hours. Various factors including usage, utility rates, and program terms will influence actual savings. Customers can control their charging schedules, even overriding managed sessions when needed.
This initiative utilizes technology from WeaveGrid, a software supplier, to help manage charging and reduce grid strain.
Eligibility and Participation
Eligible customers must purchase or lease a new EV from a participating dealership before February 2027 or until capacity is reached. Requirements include:
- Residency in a qualifying single-family home.
- Authority to install a charger.
- An active OnStar service plan with location services.
- Not being enrolled in other smart charging programs.
Since program capacity is limited, prospective participants should consult with a dealership for availability.
Customer Experience Commitment
Wade Sheffer, VP of GM Energy, emphasizes their commitment to simplifying EV ownership, making clear the benefits of home charging, and ensuring a seamless experience for buyers.
Chelle Izzi, SVP & Chief Commercial Officer, highlights the Smart Charge Bundle as a pivotal move toward an electrified, responsive future, enhancing grid resilience and efficiency.
This collaboration is part of GM’s broader strategy to integrate EVs with the power grid, aiming for up to 52,000 EVs interacting with the grid by 2030.
For more details on the Smart Charge Bundle, customers can visit GM Energy’s program page or consult participating dealers.
