Electric vehicles

To achieve our 2030 carbon neutral goal, the City of Menlo Park encourages residents to drive electric vehicles (EVs) for unavoidable vehicle travel. Driving an EV when walking, biking, or public transportation are not available is a great way to work towards achieving carbon neutrality.

EVs reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve air quality because they do not have a tailpipe. Instead of consuming and combusting fossil fuels like a gas car, an EV uses a battery to power an electric motor. Fortunately, Menlo Park’s energy provider, WestLight Energy, provides businesses and residents 100% GHG free electricity! More EVs on Menlo Park roads, means a significant reduction in our transportation-related emissions. Less emissions means cleaner air and a healthier community.

See resources below for charging needs, selecting the best EV for your needs, and other related rebates/incentives.

Installing charging stations at apartments and commercial buildings

Learn more about installing an electric vehicle charging station at your multifamily residence or commercial property from WestLight Energy’s EV Ready program.

Tenants have rights! California Civil Code Section 4745 provides tenants with the right to install an EV charging station in their rental property parking space. Check out the EV FAQ to learn more.

List of public EV chargers

Click on the interactive map below to find available public EV chargers. The data is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.

City-owned EV charging

Current rates

Level 2 Chargers: $0.41 per kWh
Level 3 (DC Fast) Chargers: $0.51 per kWh
$5 per hour overstay fee after three hours of charging

Resources

Tax credits, rebates, and incentives

Menlo Park EV rebate program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency compiled a green vehicle guide to help consumer understand more about EVs and PHEVs
U.S. Department of Energy compares different alternative fuel vehicles, such as EV, hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell, PHEV and gasoline
WestLight Energy offers a vehicle rebate up to $2,000 when purchasing a used EV for income-qualified San Mateo County residents
Bay Area Air Quality Management District offers a vehicle buy back program in which residents may receive $2,000 when they turn in their 2000 or older vehicle for scrapping

Choosing an electric vehicle

The California Public Energy Commission recommends Electric for All as a great resource to explore and compare EV models, benefits, rebates, and more.

FAQs

Can I afford an electric vehicle?
The sales price of a new electric vehicle (EVs) are trending downward. Overall, the total cost of EV ownership can be lower than comparable gasoline cars. Electric vehicles can also be affordably leased. Instead of being stopped by the initial price, consider these additional cost factors:

Cheaper to fuel
- According to US Department of Energy,charging a vehicle with electricity costs the equivalent of less than $2 per gallon of gasoline.
- WestLight Energy offers special rates for EV owners for at-home charging.
Lower maintenance costs
- EVs do not have oil, filters, or belts to change.
- Available EV incentives.
Increased number of used EVs on market

Can an electric vehicle meet my driving and/or hauling needs?
Yes, did you know the average American drives less than 40 miles a day? Most electric vehicles have a driving range of over 100 miles.

Electric sport utility vehicles and trucks with high towing capacity are available. Check out Electric For All to explore and compare new EV models.

I live in an apartment complex that does not have any EV chargers. If I buy an electric vehicle, how can I charge it?
There are public Level 2 charging stations in Menlo Park available for your use. Prices and availability may vary so make sure to check the station before heading out for a charge. Driving outside of Menlo Park? Check out this U.S. Department of Energy map to locate public charging stations nationwide.

Will an increase in EV ownership overwhelm the electric grid?
Not in the foreseeable future. A recent National Renewable Energy Lab study concludes our current electric grid can meet the Level 1 charging demands of up to 25 percent of cars on the road becoming electric. Of the 250 million cars, SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks on the US roads today, fewer than 1% of them are currently electric. Therefore, there is still time for grid improvements to meet the needs of EV charging as more consumers drive EVs. We could also reduce the load on the electricity grid by improving the way EV owners charge their vehicles. For example:

Time-of-use pricing: Did you know the cost of electricity is constantly changing? The more people using electricity at a given time, the higher the price is and vice versa. Time-of-use pricing sends price signals to EV owners to better manage demand on the grid. For more information, visit PG&E.
Smart grid technology: Smart charging technologies can automatically adjust when electric vehicles charge based on grid conditions and electricity demand. Programs such as PG&E’s Automated Response Technology and managed charging programs help reduce strain on the grid by shifting charging to times when energy demand is lower, improving grid reliability while still meeting drivers’ charging needs.
Bidirectional charging technology: Some electric vehicles now have bidirectional charging capabilities, allowing the vehicle’s battery to supply power back to a home, appliances, or other devices when paired with compatible equipment. Drivers can charge their vehicles when electricity demand is lower, such as overnight or during periods of high solar energy production, and use that stored energy later during peak demand periods or power outages. Examples of vehicles with bidirectional charging capabilities include the Ford F-150 Lightning, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Hyundai IONIQ 6, Kia EV6, and several newer General Motors electric vehicles. As this technology continues to expand, electric vehicles may help support energy resilience and reduce strain on the electric grid.