Cars are a major investment for most people, so it is no surprise that cost is one of the biggest factors in the purchase decision. And, as consumers look for ways to be more environmentally friendly, pre-owned electric vehicles can provide a more affordable, emission-free choice.
Southern California Edison’s Pre-Owned EV Rebate program offers customers even more savings. Through the program, SCE residential customers who purchase or lease a pre-owned EV can qualify for a $1,000 rebate on vehicles purchased or leased on or after Jan. 1, 2021. Applying online is easy.
“We hope that by giving a rebate to first, second and third owners or lessors of a pre-owned EV, we will be able to ease one of the key barriers to car ownership: affordability,” said Carter Prescott, SCE director of Electrification. “Making it easier for customers to transition away from fossil-fuel cars will benefit everyone and help us meet critical climate and air quality goals.”
SCE residential customers who purchase or lease a pre-owned EV can qualify for a $1,000 rebate on vehicles purchased or leased on or after Jan. 1, 2021.
In addition to the rebate, EV drivers can save on maintenance and lower fuel costs. Charging an electric car at home is equal to paying less than $2 per gallon of gasoline. Typically, most EVs come with a Level 1 charger that can plug into a standard 120-volt residential outlet. By taking advantage of SCE’s TOU-D-Prime rate and charging their EV after 9 p.m., customers can further control their fueling costs.
For drivers who can’t plug-in at home, SCE’s Charge Ready program is working to install charging stations at workplaces, shopping centers, parks, beaches and other locations throughout the Southland. Drivers can see where public chargers are located on SCE Cars, an online comparison tool that also has an interactive charging station map. In addition to using SCE Cars as a resource, here are some tips that customers considering a pre-owned EV should keep in mind:
Do your research
If you are considering a specific make and model, look at online forums and owners’ clubs dedicated to that car. They are a great source of information. Current car owners freely share both positive and negative feedback on the car. This can help you be aware of specific things you should have your mechanic look at when they inspect the car you are considering purchasing.
Learn about the warranty
EV warranties differ somewhat from their gasoline counterparts. Plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars typically have a longer warranty period for the electric drive components, like the drivetrain and battery pack. For most manufacturers, the warranties span roughly eight to 10 years. This should give pre-owned drivers some peace of mind when major repairs are required.
Conduct a test drive
Make sure you test drive the car before making your decision. EVs provide a different driving experience than their gasoline counterparts. They are quieter, responsive and accelerate quickly. Don’t test drive a gasoline-powered car that’s the same make and model and just assume they’re exactly alike.
Consider your driving habits
Drivers should take into consideration their driving habits when determining which pre-owned EV is right for them. If you mainly drive close to home, a car with a lower battery range may meet your needs just fine and it will cost less than a car with an extended-range battery.
The Pre-Owned EV Rebate program is made available through the state of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program and is not part of customers’ rates. It helps combat climate change by encouraging the use of clean vehicle fuels, like electricity. SCE earns credits in the program when customers use electricity at home to charge their EVs. SCE then returns the value of these credits to EV customers through programs like the Pre-Owned EV Rebate.
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