GM Energy and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) have launched the Smart Charge Bundle. It gives eligible PG&E residential customers who buy or lease a new Chevrolet, GMC, or Cadillac EV a GM Energy home charger at no additional hardware cost, a value of up to $1,999. This week’s announcement from GM Energy moves charger selection and utility program enrollment to participating dealerships in Northern and Central California. Customers can also enroll in PG&E’s EV Charge Manager program, which offers a $15 monthly bill credit.
Highlights
- Charger value: Buyers can choose a GM Energy PowerShift or PowerUp 2 home charger at no additional hardware cost, worth up to $1,999 depending on the charger and on whether the customer buys or leases.
- Monthly credit: Participants in EV Charge Manager may receive a $15 monthly bill credit. The companies say shifting charging to lower-cost periods could save up to an additional $50 per month.
- Availability window: The offer runs through February 2027 or until program capacity is reached.
- Grid target: GM and PG&E share a goal of up to 52,000 EVs interacting with the grid by 2030.
How Does the Smart Charge Bundle Work?
At a participating dealership, customers can discuss their charging needs, review GM Energy charger options, and complete PG&E program enrollment during the purchase or lease. They then choose one of two chargers:
- GM PowerUp 2: Delivers Level 2 charging.
- GM Energy PowerShift: When paired with additional GM Energy equipment (sold separately) and a compatible EV, supports bidirectional charging. Energy can flow from a properly equipped home to the vehicle and from the vehicle back to the home during an outage. It may also support future vehicle-to-grid programs once they become available.
The companies note that the PowerShift and PowerUp 2 home chargers are covered only as hardware. Installation, permitting, and electrical upgrades are paid by the customer and billed separately.
EV Charge Manager Credits and Managed Charging
Under PG&E’s EV Charge Manager program, charging is scheduled for periods when electricity costs and demand are lower. Customers can override any managed-charging session. According to the companies, actual credits and savings depend on program terms, charging behavior, and utility rates.
The software layer that manages charging to reduce localized grid strain comes from WeaveGrid, GM and PG&E’s supplier for the program.
“Customers don’t want to think about when their car charges,” said Apoorv Bhargava, CEO and Co-Founder of WeaveGrid. “They just want it to be ready and affordable. This bundle makes everything simple and easy, and it’s a great example of what’s possible when technology partners across the energy and automotive space collaborate, turning connected devices into grid assets that deliver real savings for consumers.”
Who Qualifies for the Smart Charge Bundle?
To qualify, customers must meet these conditions:
- Utility and vehicle: Be a PG&E residential customer who purchases or leases a new Chevrolet, Cadillac, or GMC EV through a participating dealership in PG&E’s service area.
- Residence: Live in a qualifying single-family or detached home and have authority to install a charger there.
- Installation: Pay all installation costs and use GM Energy’s preferred installer network.
- Connectivity: Hold an active OnStar service plan with location services enabled.
- Program exclusivity: Not already be enrolled in another qualifying smart-charging or demand-response program.
- Enrollment: Complete program enrollment and accept the applicable terms and conditions.
Because capacity is limited, the companies advise customers to confirm availability and eligibility with a participating dealer. Enrollment details are on GM Energy’s program page.
Building on GM’s Utility Strategy
“GM Energy’s reason for being is to make EV ownership a leap forward in value and ease, from choosing the right vehicle to charging it at home,” said Wade Sheffer, VP of GM Energy.
Chelle Izzi, senior vice president and chief commercial officer, said, “The Smart Charge Bundle is a critical step toward an electrified and affordable future.”
GM says the program will also produce data to shape future utility partnerships and bundled EV and energy offerings. At GM Empower earlier this year, the automaker described an energy strategy in which EVs, batteries, and the power grid work together to ease peak demand. That strategy included the shared goal with PG&E of up to 52,000 grid-interactive EVs by 2030.
