In the heart of Sacramento, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is championing the transition to electric mobility with its Commercial EV Program. This initiative is not just a program; it’s a transformative journey for businesses within SMUD’s service area. Here’s your guide to unlocking the potential of this program and harnessing the incentives it offers for both electric vehicles (EVs) and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) installations.

The SMUD Commercial EV Program is tailor-made to expedite the adoption of electric vehicles and bolster the growth of charging infrastructure. Businesses located within SMUD’s service territory are in for a treat with a variety of incentives under this program.

Key Program Details

For starters, projects must be linked to a new or existing SMUD commercial account and align with specific program criteria. Vehicle incentives are closely tied to participation in the EVSE program, ensuring that vehicles benefit from charging at SMUD-participating EVSEs. If you are already part of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP), fear not. While simultaneous incentives from both programs aren’t allowed, eligible projects can seamlessly transition to the SMUD Commercial EV Program once CALeVIP limits are reached.

SMUD eFuel Program

The program offers a dual-faceted support system for commercial customers. The Advisor Program provides businesses with customized reports encompassing EV recommendations, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analyses, and site and charger recommendations at no cost. On the other hand, the eFuel Solutions Program delivers end-to-end EV infrastructure installation, covering approved contractors, chargers, utility upgrades, load management, maintenance, and operations support. This comprehensive package even includes on-bill payment options.

EVSE Incentives

The SMUD Commercial EV Program is ready to reward various EVSE types. Whether it’s Level 1 or Level 2 with up to $4,500 per handle for public use, public DC Fast Chargers (>50 kW) with a whopping $30,000 per handle, or specialized options like non-public low power and high power DC Chargers for schools and municipalities, the incentives are designed to cater to diverse needs. New Construction/Production Homes (Level 2) can also benefit from a substantial $15,000 per handle incentive, subject to a case-by-case basis. Stub Outs and DCFC with Onboard Storage present pilot program opportunities.

To qualify, vehicles must be Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), and all EVSE must have specified connectors or ports. While projects can participate in other incentives, they must choose between SMUD and CALeVIP.

LCFS Credits and Additional Requirements

Projects enrolled in the SMUD Commercial EV Program automatically become part of SMUD’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit sharing, contributing to greenhouse gas emission reduction. Other requirements, including the location of EVSE units, energy consumption tracking, and adherence to Electrical Service Requirements (ESRs), ensure a seamless and compliant experience.

Embrace the Future with SMUD’s Commercial EV Program

This program isn’t just about incentives; it’s about embracing the future of mobility. Electrify your business, reduce emissions, and contribute to a greener tomorrow with SMUD’s Commercial EV Program. The road to sustainability starts here, and your business can be at the forefront of this transformative journey.

Author

Ivelina Kadiri

Policy Compliance Manager

About the author

Ivelina is a trend-seeking policy compliance manager who skillfully navigates complex regulatory landscapes and bridges the gap between sustainable transportation goals and actionable implementation.