Bakersfield, California EV Charging Stations Info

Kern County's oil-country identity is giving way to a new energy story, and EV charging in Bakersfield is at the center of it. The city's sprawling layout along major corridors like Stockdale Highway, California Avenue, and the I-5 interchange shapes how drivers find charging stations here. Unlike denser California metros, EV charging in Bakersfield demands a corridor-first mindset: knowing which retail hubs, city-owned facilities, and highway stops carry charging infrastructure makes all the difference. Whether you're a Bakersfield resident, a road-tripper passing through on the I-5, or a visitor heading to the Kern River, ChargeHub's network of 67,000+ stations and 225,000+ charging ports puts every option at your fingertips. Use the ChargeHub interactive map to locate stations near you in real time.

Bakersfield's Charging Landscape: Corridors, Retail Hubs, and City Sites

EV charging in Bakersfield spreads across a car-centric grid rather than a walkable downtown core. That means the most productive charging strategy focuses on destination charging at retail centers, city-owned parking, and highway-adjacent stops.

Stockdale Highway and California Avenue Corridors

The Stockdale Highway corridor anchors western Bakersfield's charging network. The EV Charger Bakersfield station at 29541 Stockdale Highway offers fast and efficient charging solutions, positioned near shopping and dining options. Electrify America operates a high-output station at 11000 Stockdale Highway (Target), making it a practical stop for errands and charging simultaneously.

Electrify America at 4310 California Avenue is a popular choice among locals, known for its rapid charging capabilities and ability to serve a wide range of EVs. This station supports CCS (Combined Charging System, standard DC fast-charging connector) and NACS (North American Charging Standard, Tesla connector now industry-wide) connectors, covering most modern EVs.

City-Owned Public Charging Stations

In April 2021, the Bakersfield City Council approved agreements for the installation of 30 Level 2 charging (240V, adds 11-54 miles/hour) ports across six charging stations for general public use. The charging stations are located at The Park at River Walk, the parking lot across from California State University Bakersfield on Stockdale Highway, City Hall South, Mechanics Bank Arena, McMurtrey Aquatic Center and Valley Children's Ice Center, and the 18th & Eye Street parking garage. These city-managed stations are ideal for residents running errands downtown or attending events at Mechanics Bank Arena.

Networks Serving Bakersfield EV Charging Stations

Multiple charging networks operate EV charging stations in Bakersfield, giving drivers flexibility in how they pay and connect.

Network	Coverage Area	Charging Type	Connector Standards
Electrify America	California Ave, Stockdale Hwy, S. Enos Lane	Level 3 (DC fast charging)	CCS, NACS
Tesla Supercharger	I-5 corridor, Camino Del Rio Ct, S. Enos Lane	Level 3 DC Fast Charging	NACS
EVgo	Colony Street	Level 3 DC Fast Charging	CCS, CHAdeMO, NACS
ChargePoint	Tracy Avenue area	Level 2	J1772 (standard North American AC charging connector), CCS
City of Bakersfield (ChargePoint)	Downtown, CSUB, Riverwalk	Level 2	J1772

The EVgo Fast Charging Station at 6225 Colony Street stands out for EV drivers who need a quick power boost, with fast charging technology designed to minimize wait times.

ChargeHub's unified payment platform works across all of these networks. You don't need a separate account for each charging network. The ChargeHub mobile app lets you find charging stations, check real-time availability, and pay at stations across every major network from a single app.

I-5 and Highway Corridor Charging for Travelers

Bakersfield sits at a critical junction for California road trips. The I-5 corridor connects the Bay Area to Los Angeles, and EV charging in Bakersfield serves as a key refueling stop for drivers on that route.

Tesla Superchargers along the I-5 in the Bakersfield area include a station where 12 250kW Supercharging stalls opened in mid-September 2022, making charging in the outskirts of the Bakersfield area more convenient. The Countryside Market Shell location at 9741 South Enos Lane also hosts an Electrify America station, positioned directly off the I-5 for highway travelers.

For drivers heading east toward the Kern River or Mojave, Electrify America operates at both 4310 California Avenue and 11000 Stockdale Highway in Bakersfield, while Tesla Supercharger locations include Camino Del Rio Ct and S. Enos Lane. Drivers heading toward Tehachapi or Mojave should plan their route carefully, as charging density drops significantly east of Bakersfield.

DCFC (DC Fast Charging) stations along the I-5 can typically restore a battery to 80% in 20-30 minutes, making Bakersfield a practical mid-trip stop. Use the ChargeHub app for iPhone or the ChargeHub app for Android to plan your route and check real-time availability before you leave.

What EV Charging in Bakersfield Costs

Charging cost in Bakersfield varies by network, connector type, and time of day. Understanding the pricing structure helps you avoid surprises.

Drive Clean California statistics show that operators charge an average of $0.20-$0.30 per kWh for public Level 2 charging stations and $0.40-$0.60 per kWh for DC Fast Charging.

Key pricing factors for electric vehicle charging Bakersfield drivers should know:

• Level 2 public charging: Typically $0.20-$0.30 per kWh at ChargePoint and city-operated stations
• DC Fast Charging (Level 3): Typically $0.40-$0.60 per kWh at Electrify America and EVgo
• Tesla Supercharger: Priced per kWh for all drivers (non-Tesla vehicles pay slightly higher rates)
• Free charging: A small number of city-owned and retail-hosted stations offer complimentary Level 2 sessions
• Idle fees: Most networks charge idle fees after charging completes to encourage turnover during peak hours

With an electric car adding 3-4 miles of range per kWh and an average battery capacity of 75-100 kWh, driving 13,489 miles will cost approximately $675-$1,350 per year using public Level 2 chargers exclusively.

PG&E serves Bakersfield and offers time-of-use (TOU) rate plans that can reduce your per-kWh charging cost. With the PG&E EV2-A program, customers pay $0.31 per kWh for all off-peak electricity usage between midnight and 3 p.m. This rate applies to residential charging but also signals the cost advantage of charging during off-peak hours at public stations that pass through TOU savings.

PG&E Rebates and Incentives for Bakersfield EV Drivers

Bakersfield falls within Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) service territory, giving local EV drivers access to a few active rebate programs in 2026.

PG&E Pre-Owned EV Rebate Program

The PG&E Pre-Owned EV Rebate program offers two rebate levels based on household income. The Standard Option provides eligible applicants $1,000 for the purchase or lease of a pre-owned EV. The Rebate Plus Option provides income-qualified applicants $4,000 based on their household level of income.

One Bakersfield resident, Douglas, shared his experience: "PG&E provided me with the chance to acquire an electric vehicle at an affordable price, along with financial support for the installation of the charger. The most significant expense lies in obtaining the charger and hiring an electrician for its installation. However, the incentive from PG&E simplified the process considerably."

PG&E Empower EV Program

PG&E's Empower EV program offers up to $2,500 in financial incentives for installation and purchase of a Level 2 charger for income-eligible customers. Note that Kern County is among the counties experiencing extremely long wait times for electric assessments and panel upgrades through this program. Eligible residents in Kern County can still receive a free Level 2 charger through the program.

Visit the PG&E Pre-Owned EV Rebate Program for current eligibility requirements and to apply.

California Clean Cars 4 All (San Joaquin Valley)

Bakersfield sits within the San Joaquin Valley Air District's jurisdiction. The Valley Air District's Drive Clean in the San Joaquin Replace program is open to individuals with a household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Funding amounts are based on the type of vehicle you plan to buy, your household income, and whether you reside in a Disadvantaged Community. The maximum amount available is $12,000 plus $2,000 toward a home EV charger or EVgo charging credit.

As of 2026, the federal EV purchase tax credits for new and used EVs ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. State and utility programs are now the primary savings opportunities for Bakersfield EV buyers.

Bakersfield Apartments, Condos, and Workplace Charging

EV charging in Bakersfield for renters and condo residents presents a real challenge. Bakersfield's rental market includes a mix of older apartment complexes and newer developments, and charging access varies widely.

California's right-to-charge law provides important protections. Right-to-charge laws in California offer protections that make it easier for residents to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces. Under California's right-to-charge law, renters are allowed to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces, as long as they cover the installation costs.

For renters who cannot install a personal charging station, public charging stations in Bakersfield fill the gap. The city-owned Level 2 stations at the 18th & Eye Street parking garage and Mechanics Bank Arena are accessible to the public. Kern Community College District at 2100 Chester Avenue also hosts a public charging station, useful for students and nearby residents.

Workplace charging is expanding in Bakersfield as employers recognize EV charging as a valued employee benefit. Businesses in Bakersfield are seeking new ways to stand out, and offering EV charging is one of them, with commercial EV charging solutions helping companies attract customers and support employees.

Practical Tips for EV Charging in Bakersfield

EV charging in Bakersfield rewards drivers who plan ahead. The city's spread-out geography and limited downtown density mean that knowing your options before you need them prevents range anxiety.

• Use ChargeHub to check real-time availability before heading to a specific station. Bakersfield's DC fast charging locations see higher demand during I-5 travel peaks (Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings).
• Charge during errands at California Avenue or Stockdale Highway. Electrify America and retail-hosted Level 2 stations let you add range while shopping.
• Avoid the 4-9 p.m. peak window at public stations when possible. PG&E's EV2-A rate identifies this as the highest-cost period, and certain networks pass through time-of-use pricing.
• Carry a J1772 (standard North American AC charging connector) adapter if your vehicle uses a different connector. Most public Level 2 stations in Bakersfield use J1772.
• For highway trips, plan your I-5 stop in advance. The Electrify America station at California Avenue and the Tesla Supercharger at S. Enos Lane are the highest-output options for fast turnaround.
• Check for idle fees. EVgo and Electrify America charge idle fees after your session ends. Move your vehicle promptly to avoid extra charges.
• Download the ChargeHub app before your trip. The app shows real-time availability, pricing, and connector types for Bakersfield EV charging stations and every stop along your route.

Bakersfield EV charging stations at city-owned facilities (Riverwalk, City Hall South, CSUB) are often less congested than retail locations. These are good options for residents who need a few hours of Level 2 charging without competing with highway travelers.

Connector Compatibility at Bakersfield EV Charging Stations

Knowing which connectors your vehicle accepts prevents wasted trips. Bakersfield EV charging stations support a range of connector standards across different networks.

• J1772: Standard on all Level 2 public charging stations. Every non-Tesla EV accepts J1772 natively.
• CCS (Combined Charging System, standard DC fast-charging connector): Used at Electrify America and EVgo for DC fast charging. Most non-Tesla EVs from 2020 onward support CCS.
• CHAdeMO (Japanese DC fast charging standard): Available at certain EVgo stations. Primarily used by older Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models.
• NACS (North American Charging Standard, Tesla connector now industry-wide): Tesla Superchargers use NACS. Non-Tesla vehicles with NACS ports (Ford, GM, Rivian, and others from 2024+) can use Superchargers directly. Adapters are available for CCS-equipped vehicles.

Electric vehicle charging Bakersfield drivers should verify their vehicle's connector type before selecting a station. ChargeHub's station listings display connector types for every location, so you can filter by compatibility before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find DC fast charging for EV charging in Bakersfield?

DC fast charging in Bakersfield is available at Electrify America (4310 California Avenue and 11000 Stockdale Highway), EVgo (6225 Colony Street), and Tesla Supercharger locations along the I-5 corridor including S. Enos Lane. These Level 3 stations can restore a battery to 80% in approximately 20-30 minutes. Use the ChargeHub map to check real-time availability before you arrive.

What rebates are available for EV charging in Bakersfield through PG&E?

PG&E offers two active rebate programs for Bakersfield residents. The PG&E Pre-Owned EV Rebate program provides $1,000 to eligible applicants and up to $4,000 for income-qualified applicants who purchase or lease a pre-owned EV. The PG&E Empower EV program offers up to $2,500 in incentives for Level 2 charger installation for income-eligible customers, though Kern County currently experiences long wait times for panel upgrades. Visit evrebates.pge.com for current eligibility details.

How does EV charging in Bakersfield work for apartment renters?

California's right-to-charge law protects renters who want to install a charging station in their designated parking space, though installation costs are the resident's responsibility. For renters who cannot install a personal charger, public charging stations in Bakersfield provide accessible alternatives. City-owned Level 2 stations at the 18th & Eye Street parking garage and Kern Community College District are open to the public. The ChargeHub app helps renters locate the nearest public charging port to their address.

What does electric vehicle charging Bakersfield cost per kWh?

Public Level 2 charging in Bakersfield typically costs $0.20-$0.30 per kWh at ChargePoint and city-operated stations. DC fast charging at Electrify America and EVgo typically runs $0.40-$0.60 per kWh. Tesla Supercharger pricing is per kWh and varies slightly for non-Tesla vehicles. A small number of retail and city-hosted stations offer free Level 2 sessions. PG&E's EV2-A time-of-use rate plan charges $0.31 per kWh during off-peak hours (midnight to 3 p.m.), which is relevant for drivers who charge at locations that pass through utility rates.

How do I plan a road trip using EV charging stations in Bakersfield as a stop?

Bakersfield EV charging stations make the city a practical I-5 mid-trip stop between the Bay Area and Los Angeles. The highest-output options are the Electrify America station at California Avenue and the Tesla Supercharger at S. Enos Lane, both capable of adding significant range in 20-30 minutes. For trips heading east toward the Kern River or Mojave, top off in Bakersfield before departing, as charging density drops east of the city. Download the ChargeHub app to plan your full route, check real-time availability at each stop, and pay across all networks from a single platform.

---