The ultimate guide to EV ownership in Orange County

Charging stations, maintenance, incentives, and more

Orange County, California, is a hub of innovation and technology. With its sunny climate and growing focus on sustainability, it’s no wonder that electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in the region. If you’re considering making the switch to an EV or are already an EV owner, the ultimate guide to EV ownership in Orange County will provide you with valuable information about charging stations, maintenance, incentives, and more. 

Finding charging stations in Orange County

One of the most important factors to consider when owning an EV is access to charging stations. Fortunately, Orange County has a robust network of charging stations to accommodate EV drivers. Here are some resources to help you locate charging stations: 

• ChargePoint: https://www.chargepoint.com/ — ChargePoint is one of the largest EV charging network providers in the United States and has a significant presence in Orange County. Their website allows you to search for charging stations by location, type (Level 1, Level 2, or DC fast charging), and availability.
• EVgo: https://evgo.com/ — EVgo is another major EV charging network with numerous stations in Orange County. Their website provides similar features to ChargePoint, allowing you to find charging stations and plan your routes.
• PlugShare: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xatori.Plugshare&hl=en — PlugShare is a popular mobile app that allows you to find, rate, and review charging stations. It provides real-time availability information and allows you to filter your search by charging type, connector, and price.
• Orange County site: https://orangecountync.gov/480/Electric-Vehicle-Charging-Stations#/find/nearest — Our local resource provides information on public charging stations.

EV maintenance in Orange County: Kia of Irvine

Kia of Irvine is a reputable dealership that offers a range of services for EV owners. Our technicians are trained to handle the specific maintenance needs of electric vehicles, including battery health checks, software updates, and general maintenance. You can contact Kia of Irvine for more information or to schedule a service appointment. 

EV tax credits for Orange County residents

The federal government offers tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles. The amount of the credit varies depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity and manufacturer. Orange County residents may also be eligible for additional state or local incentives. To learn more about available tax credits, you can consult with a tax professional or visit the websites of federal, state, and local government agencies. Consult these sources: 

• DriveClean: https://driveclean.ca.gov/search-incentives — This website can help you find incentives based on your zip code in California.
• Federal Tax Credits: https://www.irs.gov/clean-vehicle-tax-credits — Consult this site to learn about the federal tax credit.
• State and Local Incentives: https://pluginamerica.org/policy/used-ev-policy/ — California incentives are listed on this page.

Requesting public charging stations

If there‘s a lack of public chargers in your area, consider requesting the installation of stations. Many cities and counties have programs in place to encourage the development of EV infrastructure. You can contact your local government officials to inquire about the process for requesting charging stations. If you own a residential building, check out ocds.ocpublicworks.com to learn about getting a permit for EV charging stations in Orange County.