One question EV owners should be asked is: Do you think it may have to do with your state transitioning to reliance on wind and solar power rather than fossil fuels?

California wants residents to buy electric vehicles to fight climate change, to the point of ending the sale of new gasoline-fueled cars in 2035. 

But after a 20% rate hike this year by Pacific Gas and Electric Co., charging a car — one of the single biggest items on electric bills — just got more expensive. And the trend is unlikely to let up anytime soon: State regulators are considering further rate increases for PG&E this year.

“It’s crazy,” said Austin Ball, a Walnut Creek engineer and Tesla Model 3 driver whose PG&E bill more than doubled this year. 

Despite noticing the price increase, one car owner told the San Francisco Chronicle that he is still saving money on his commute. At least until the Golden State’s transition to full wind and solar power is complete or the state’s energy grid collapses due to the electrification push:

In Petaluma, Davinder Banger said he’s paying about $20 per charge at a Supercharger this year, compared with between $10 and $14 previously to charge his Tesla Model Y. Banger, 48, said he’s still saving money on his commute to Contra Costa County compared with what he’d be paying for gasoline. 

The Chronicle also reports Pacific Gas & Electric offers plans that electric vehicle owners can enroll in to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours to try to beat electric car charging rate hikes including to incentivize people to charge at home. Eventually it will be untenable and EV charging rates will far exceed gas due to electricity prices having to go even higher. Even with lower charging rates, there are still other problems with EV”s like the price to repair them and wait times at charging stations too.