New EV Charging Program Saves Bay Area Drivers Over $1,000 per Year Using Clean Electricity Instead of Gasoline
MCE has partnered with EV charging software firm ev.energy to release the MCE Sync app for iOS and Android, providing a hassle-free way for EV drivers to charge off-peak and save money without any special hardware. With California gas prices averaging over $6 per gallon, going electric and charging during off-peak hours could save the average California driver over $1,000 per year vs. gasoline. By comparison, MCE’s 100% renewable electricity costs $2.05 per eGallon. In addition to helping drivers save money, MCE Sync prioritizes charging with low-carbon electricity, supports grid reliability, and ensures the vehicle is fully charged by the time it’s needed.
“MCE’s EV programs are focused on making clean transportation accessible to everyone, while decreasing grid strain,” said Doriss Panduro, MCE Board Director and City of Fairfield Councilmember. “Working with ev.energy, we launched the MCE Sync app to provide our customers with a lower-cost, hardware-free, and hassle-free way to charge with low- or no-carbon electricity and save money on their energy bills.”
MCE and ev.energy launched the MCE Sync pilot in November 2021. The fully-subscribed pilot paid customers an average of $6 per month cash back on top of their off-peak savings, and charged their vehicles with electricity that was up to 90% lower-carbon than the California average. During peak hours when the California grid was strained, the MCE Sync pilot reduced EV charging consumption by an average of 93% by shifting charging to lower-demand hours.
“The pilot phase of MCE Sync proved that California EV drivers can help their wallets, the grid, and the planet all at once by smart charging,” said Joseph Vellone, ev.energy’s Head of North America. “We’re excited to roll out the program to deliver these benefits to even more MCE customers through our easy-to-use mobile app.”
MCE Sync plans to enroll up to 4,000 drivers over the coming year in the expanded program which offers additional benefits, including EV charging aligned with home rooftop solar generation and grid solar availability, grid-reliability incentive payments worth up to $10 per month, and customer education about smarter charging strategies.
The MCE Sync program is a part of MCE’s suite of EV programs including rebates for income-qualified drivers and charging equipment for multifamily properties and workplaces. Learn about eligibility and sign up for the program at mcecleanenergy.org/mce-sync/.