There’s more to buying an EV than signing some paperwork and parting with your hard-earned money. You must also figure out what charger you need, how to install it, and whether your electric utility offers any useful incentives.
General Motors wants to bundle some of those decisions into the car-buying process. GM Energy has partnered with Pacific Gas and Electric on a new program that can put eligible California EV buyers behind the wheel with a home charger included.
Called the Smart Charge Bundle, the initiative is available through participating Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac dealers in PG&E’s Northern and Central California service area. Customers can discuss their home-charging needs and enroll in PG&E’s smart-charging program while they’re buying or leasing the vehicle.
There’s some significant potential savings involved, too. Depending on the charger and purchase or lease path, eligible customers can receive charging hardware worth up to $1,999 at no additional cost.
The Charger Is Included, Installation Isn’t
Customers can choose between GM Energy’s PowerUp 2 and PowerShift home chargers. The PowerUp 2 provides Level 2 charging, while the more sophisticated PowerShift can support bidirectional charging when paired with additional equipment and a compatible GM EV.
That means a properly equipped vehicle can potentially send electricity back into the home during an outage. GM also envisions future vehicle-to-grid programs that could allow compatible EVs to interact directly with the electrical grid.
There is an important catch to the free hardware. Installation, permits, and any necessary electrical upgrades aren’t included, and customers must use GM Energy’s preferred installer network to qualify for the charger.
Smart Charging Could Lower Monthly Bills
The savings can continue after installation through PG&E’s EV Charge Manager. Participating customers may receive a $15 monthly bill credit and potentially save up to another $50 per month by charging during periods when electricity demand and costs are lower.
Actual savings depend on factors including electricity rates and charging behavior. Owners aren’t locked into the automated schedule, either, as managed charging can be overridden whenever necessary.
The software behind the program is supplied by WeaveGrid and is designed to help manage charging while reducing localized strain on the electrical grid.
There Are Some Eligibility Requirements
The Smart Charge Bundle is available to eligible PG&E residential customers who purchase or lease a new Chevrolet, GMC, or Cadillac EV from a participating dealer. Customers must live in a qualifying single-family or detached residence and have authority to install a charger.
An active OnStar service plan with location services enabled is also required, and customers already participating in another qualifying smart-charging or demand-response program aren’t eligible.
The offer runs through February 2027 or until the program reaches capacity. For buyers already considering a GM EV, getting the charger sorted at the dealership—and potentially trimming future charging costs—removes a couple of headaches from making the switch.