Plug In Santa Barbara

Plug In Santa Barbara

Plug In Santa Barbara is bringing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to the Central Coast and making it easier to use EVs in Santa Barbara County. Supported by a group of cities, businesses, and utilities, Plug In Santa Barbara is a one-stop resource for local plug-in electric car buyers, with information on all the new models, home charging, charging rates, government incentives, permitting requirements, and the benefits of connecting solar electric systems into charging facilities.

     

Get Ready for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

About 50% of the energy used in our county goes to move people and goods. Transitioning to more efficient electric vehicles and using renewable energy to charge are central components of CEC’s plan to move the Santa Barbara region away from fossil fuels in one generation.

Clean Energy = Clean Fueled Vehicles

Electric vehicles are three times more efficient than cars and trucks with gas-burning combustion engines, with EPA ratings often exceeding 100 mpg equivalent.

In addition, their fuel is electricity — which in California decreases greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and is increasingly generated from renewable energy. If the car is charged someplace with rooftop solar, the owners are literally “driving on sunshine.”

With the Chevy Volt, Nissan LEAF, Toyota Plug in Prius and Ford Focus EV now on the street and a dozen models of all-electric and electric/gas plug-in hybrids coming soon, CEC is helping to make plug-in cars a reality. In fact, Santa Barbara is one of the top sales markets in the country for plug-in cars. Are our homes, fueling stations and electrical grid ready?

EV + PV = Driving on Sunshine

Electric vehicles and solar are a match made in heaven. 39% of California EV drivers have rooftop solar and are driving truly emissions free.

It only takes about 2 kW of solar to power an EV 12,000 miles per year (approximately $7,000 after incentives). This investment gives an EV owner a fuel station on their home that will produce fuel for 25+ years. It would cost over $50,000 to buy 25 years of gasoline!

CEC is currently running Solarize Santa Barbara, a group purchasing program to make it easier and cheaper to go solar. Check out www.SolarizeSB.org to power your house and EV on the sun!

WHAT CEC IS DOING

Building New Charging Stations — The Central Coast now has over 100 public charging stations. Read more on our blog and find a nearby station at Recargo.com. CEC is working with the Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District and local cities and businesses to install new charging stations in ideal locations.  While most charging is done overnight at home, when rates are lowest and there is plentiful excess capacity on the grid, a public charging network allows EV drivers to top off and drive more electric miles.  Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested in charging stations at your business. Also, read the latest developments on our blog...

Getting Local Government on Board — CEC has hosted events with Southern California Edison to introduce government officials and community leaders to the challenges and opportunities that our region will face as drivers begin transitioning to electric vehicles.  We are now working to develop an EV Readiness Plan for the Central Coast (Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties). More on Plug In Electric Vehicle Readiness...

Making Buildings Plug-in Ready — We are working with city planners, builders and architects to pre-wire new construction and major renovations so that buildings are “plug-in ready.” Pre-wiring adds little to no additional cost when done during the initial construction.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Interact on Facebook — Follow Plug In Santa Barbara on Facebook to interact with the local EV enthusiast community, read the latest news, and learn about upcoming events.

Get to Know EVs — Learn more about EVs and how to prepare your home for EV charging. Visit Plug In Cars and Southern California Edison for more information.

Test Drive EVs at a Green Car Show — Attend one of CEC’s Green Car Shows to kick the tires on the newest technologies all in one place.  Bring your friends to the new Ride and Drive to test drive these new cars.  Our 2012 shows are scheduled for Santa Barbara (April 21-22), Ventura (July 4), and Santa Maria (TBD).

Go Solar and Drive on Sunshine — When you install solar panels at your home or business, your charging stations and your electric car are fueled by the sun. CEC is making it easier for people to go solar with Solarize Santa Barbara. If you’ve been considering solar power for your home, we can help.

Host or Attend a Driveway Party — Driveway parties a fun way to “kick the tires” and introduce a group of your friends and neighbors to EVs. Do you have an EV and want to host a party? Want to talk to local EV drivers? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to host a party or find out about attending one.

Share Your Story — Already own an electric vehicle? We’re looking for case studies and feedback. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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CEC Email Alerts

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EV Owners:

Download "Electric Vehicles are Here" to hand out to people asking about your car.

Visit Recargo.com for charging station locations. We add each new local charging station to this crowdsourced site. It also allows you to add and review sites, and post ammenities nearby. There is also an app for iPhone and Android for finding stations on-the-go.


More From CEC

Download Workshop Presentations (pdf):

How to Get Plug-in Ready

California Clean Vehicle Rebates

Electric Vehicles and Air Quality