Electric Vehicles
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Electric Vehicle Charging Overview
UCSC is pleased to offer both Level 2 and Level 1 charging options at various campus locations for the convenience of our campus affiliates and visitors. Please see detailed information below about permit requirements, charger availability, and payment requirements for each area, as they may differ by site.
During enforcement hours, you must possess a valid parking permit for the lot you are charging in.
Power to the EV Chargers on campus may be affected by larger grid issues due to wind, fire, heat, and other power shortages. Please be patient and report any outages you see to TAPS or to Chargepoint via their app.
Parking lots and structures may be located on the Campus Parking Map
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 Charging Operations
The chargers are provided as a convenience for electric vehicle drivers and are first-come, first-served; they are not intended to be the primary charging location for anyone who does not reside on campus. Users must be plugged in and/or actively charging while parked in a Level 2 UCSC EV Charging Space unless noted as an EV Preferred parking space. Once charging is complete, vehicles should be moved to an appropriate parking lot and/or parking space, depending on the type of permit displayed on the vehicle.
Level 2 chargers are part of the Chargepoint network, and a fee of $0.25/kWh while charging and $1/hour idle time will be collected for active charging and while plugged in. There is currently no time limit for how long a vehicle can be plugged in, but in the future, a time limit may be implemented based on demand.
EV Preferred Locations
Four (4) Level 2 charging portals in East Remote and one Level 2 charging portal on the 6th Floor of Core West are available for charging, but any vehicle may park in these parking spaces as they are not reserved for EV charging only. We ask that other vehicles yield these spaces for plug-in vehicles if other parking is available. This allows for more flexibility during times of high demand.
Locations of Level 2 Chargers
Core West Parking Structure (Lot# 112)
A permits are required during enforcement hours.
- 1st Floor: Nine (9) charging portals, with one accessible site – must be actively plugged in and charging at all times in these spaces
- 6th Floor: Two (2) charging portals – one ADA van accessible charging space and one EV Preferred charging portal
East Remote Parking Lot (Lot# 104)
Any valid campus parking permit is required during enforcement hours. Must be plugged in and actively charging.
- Four (4) Level 2 charging portals as EV Preferred spaces
Arts (Lot# 126)
A permits are required during enforcement hours.
- Two (2) Level 2 solar charging portals; must be actively plugged in and charging at all times in these spaces.
Fire House (Lot# 156)
A permits are required during enforcement hours.
- Two (2) Level 2 solar charging portals; must be actively plugged in and charging at all times in these spaces.
West Remote (Lot #127)
A, R, or C permit is required during enforcement hours. Must be plugged in and actively charging.
- Two (2) Level 2 solar charging portals; must be actively plugged in and charging at all times in these spaces.
Coastal Science Campus
A permits or ParkMobile payment required during enforcement hours.
- Coastal Biology Building (Lot# 205):
- Six (6) charging portals, including one ADA van accessible charging space
- Seymour Center Parking Lot (Lot# 201)
- Two charging portals, including one van accessible space.
- Parking payment through ParkMobile; charging paid through Chargepoint.
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 Charging Operations
- For Level 1 (120V) Electric Vehicle Charging, you must provide your own cable. Secure your cable while it’s in use. UCSC, their officers, employees or agents are not liable for theft or damage to personal property, including charging cords.
- Unauthorized Level 1 charging is not permitted and may result in a citation.
- Avoid placing your cable where it might create a pedestrian hazard.
EV Preferred Locations
All Level 1 charging portals are available for charging, but any vehicle may park in these parking spaces, as they are not reserved for EV charging only. We ask that other vehicles yield these spaces for plug-in vehicles if other parking is available. This allows for more flexibility during times of high demand.
How to Pay for Level 1 Charging
To use the Level 1 outlets in either Core West (6th Floor) or East Remote Lot, you must display a valid parking permit for that lot during enforcement hours. In addition, as a condition of use, you must also pay the electricity charges via the ParkMobile application at all times while plugged in (Zone #15141).
- Patrons with a valid UCSC parking permit pay for power only through ParkMobile. Please note that an A permit is required to park/charge in Core West during enforcement hours.
- Visitors to UCSC must purchase a parking permit through the Sales Office and then pay for charging through ParkMobile.
- The rate for Level 1 charging is $1 for each 4 hours ($.25 per hour), plus a $0.45 service fee per session.
- Unauthorized Level 1 charging at any UCSC parking facility is not allowed; violators will be cited.
Locations of Level 1 Charging Portals
Core West Parking Structure (Lot# 112)
A permits are required during enforcement hours.
- 6th Floor: Three (3) charging portals – EV Preferred spaces
East Remote Parking Lot (Lot# 104)
Any valid campus parking permit is required during enforcement hours.
- Forty (40) Level 1 charging portals as EV Preferred spaces
Additional Information
Electric Motorcycles, Motor-Driven Cycles, and other Devices
Only electric vehicles requiring DMV registration to operate on streets or highways are eligible to use EV charging stations at the University, as long as all other posted parking requirements are met. This includes any street-legal motorcycle or motor-driven cycle requiring DMV registration. No other electric vehicles or devices are authorized to utilize EV charging stations at the University unless specifically designated.
Accessible EV Charging
Accessible EV charging is available in the Core West Parking Structure or the Coastal Science Campus as noted above.
Other Santa Cruz County Charging Options
Additional electric vehicle charging stations have recently been installed in the greater Santa Cruz Area. Interested individuals can find a listing of those locations at the following sites:
EV Offers & Incentives
The offers and rebates shown below are for information purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any of the listed products, services, or programs.
Federal Tax Rebates
Federal rebates up to $7,500 for a plug-in electric vehicle could be available to you, depending on vehicle choice and tax liability issues. Please discuss these rebates with your dealer.
Electric Vehicle Purchasing Assistance
EVs For Everyone, a local non-profit, is offering free assistance to help interested buyers learn how to purchase or lease a new or used electric vehicle at low or no cost by stacking various rebates and incentive offers. Special programs are also available for low-income households. Please get in touch with them to participate in their electric vehicle purchasing program.
Local & Regional Rebates
The organizations below occasionally offer additional incentives or rebates for the purchase of electric vehicles or installation of electric vehicle home charging. Check their websites for the most current information and offers.
- Monterey Bay Air Resources District
- Central Coast Community Energy
- Pacific Gas & Electric
- California Air Resources Board
Dealership & Manufacturer Offers
The dealerships or manufacturers below offer purchase discounts for UCSC affiliates. Please review the offers carefully and print any materials needed before visiting the dealership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I charge my electric vehicle on the UCSC campus?
UCSC offers both Level 2 charging and Level 1 charging at several locations on campus. Check each section to see specific charging locations.
Why is a parking permit required?
All parking spaces on campus require a parking permit Monday–Friday 7:00 am–8:30 pm. Fees for the use the of the EV charger are collected separately at the charging station (Level 2) or through ParkMobile (Level 1).
What do I do if I purchase a parking permit but all of the EV charging stations are full?
If you are planning on staying on campus for the rest of the day, please check the ChargePoint Network Map or ParkMobile app to see when the stalls open up. If you aren’t staying on campus, please drive immediately back to the TAPS Sales Office to ask for a refund.
How do I use the EV chargers?
Level 2 chargers are operated by ChargePoint (one of various EV charging networks). If you are a registered member of the network with an active pass card and credit card on file, please go to www.mychargepoint.net to view step-by-step instructions or download a PDF. If you are not a ChargePoint member, you may activate the charger by calling (888) 758-4389 to provide credit card information to a ChargePoint customer service representative. Those with smart credit cards can activate the charger on site.
Level 1 charging is paid for via the ParkMobile app. The rate is $1 for each four (4) hours ($.25 per hour). Users must provide their own cable. UCSC, its officers, employees, or agents are not liable for theft or damage to personal property, including charging cords.
What do I do if the charging station is not working?
For questions regarding Level 2 EV chargers, contact the ChargePoint Network and Coulomb Charging Stations or call (888) 758-4389. For questions regarding ParkMobile charging payment or electrical grid issues, send an email to TAPS.
How do I know if my vehicle is done charging?
You can check your vehicle’s status using the Chargepoint app or your vehicle’s manufacturer app.
Is there a time limit to EV charging?
At this time, there are no time limit restrictions for EV charging. However, all Level 2 Chargepoint users will be charged a $1 per hour fee for any time plugged in to the system while not actively charging. Level 1 users must be paying for charging via ParkMobile any time they are plugged in. Once an EV is not actively charging and/or plugged in, the car must be moved to its appropriately permitted parking location. An EV will be subject to citation if parked in an EV charging space while not actively charging or plugged in. Please be courteous to other EV users who may need to charge by moving your vehicle as soon as active charging is complete. If demand for EV chargers grows, future time limit restrictions may be enacted.
What do I do if the charger does not activate when I wave my ChargePoint card or phone in front of the station?
Please hold your Chargepoint card or phone still in front of the station for a few seconds until it activates; do not wave the card or phone.
Who do I contact for more information?
For questions regarding Level 2 EV chargers, contact the ChargePoint Network and Coulomb Charging Stations or call (888) 758-4389. For questions regarding ParkMobile charging payment or electrical grid issues, send an email to TAPS.
What benefits do EV carpoolers receive?
EV carpoolers receive the same benefits as regular carpoolers. They share the cost of a carpool permit and can agree to share fueling/charging costs. In addition, EV carpoolers with a valid UCSC Carpool Permit can park in one of the many campus reserved carpool spaces (within their permit type).
Do EV users receive any special incentives or rewards for driving a zero-emission vehicle?
While UCSC encourages those who need to drive to campus to use the most fuel-efficient vehicle possible, TAPS does not offer any special incentives to EV users. EV charging is provided as a convenience for “topping off” charging needs for EVs, but is not intended to be the primary charging location for any vehicle. These charging spaces utilize prime parking spaces in the campus core, must be shared among all EV users, and will no longer be available to non-EV users. In addition, employees are expected to manage their own time and breaks to move their vehicles to the appropriate parking locations once charging is complete.
Are there any accessible EV charging locations?
In the Core West Parking Structure, an ADA-accessible Level 2 charging space is provided on the 6th floor, and charging is also accessible from an ADA-compliant parking space on the first floor nearest to the chargers. In addition, two ADA-accessible Level 2 charging spaces are provided at the Coastal Biology Building and Seymour Center parking lots on the Coastal Science Campus. Accessible Level 1 charging is also available on the 6th floor of Core West.
Recoiling of Cords
Please be sure to re-coil the charger hoses when you are done to avoid creating a tripping hazard, and to help maintain the integrity of the hoses.
Purchasing or Leasing an Electric Vehicle?
Many vehicle discount incentives and/or other agency rebates are available at different times to UC affiliates. Please be sure to check the UCSC TAPS Electric Vehicles section of this page for current offers. In addition, be sure to ask your dealer if they have any special offers for UC affiliates.