Alternative Fuel Stations
Above is a complete list of alternative fuel locations in or near Santa Barbara, CA: biodiesel; compressed natural gas (CNG); ethanol (E85); electric; hydrogen; liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (propane) & more.
Tax incentives and/or other rebates, credits, incentives or related initiaves for drivers of alternative fuel vehicles or for other uses of alternative fuel in Santa Barbara, CA.
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) offers a discounted rate to residential customers for electricity used to charge EVs. For more information, see the SMUD Rate Details website.
The excise tax imposed on compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and propane used to operate a vehicle can be paid through an annual flat rate sticker tax based on the following vehicle weights:
| Unladen Weight | Fee |
|---|---|
| All passenger cars and other vehicles 4,000 pounds (lbs.) or less | $36 |
| More than 4,000 lbs. but less than 8,001 lbs. | $72 |
| More than 8,000 lbs. but less than 12,001 lbs. | $120 |
| 12,001 lbs. or more | $168 |
Alternatively, owners and operators may pay an excise tax on CNG of $0.0887 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) measured at standard pressure and temperature, $0.1017 for each diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) of LNG, and $0.06 per gallon of propane. One GGE is equal to 126.67 cubic feet or 5.66 lbs. of CNG and one DGE is equal to 6.06 lbs. of LNG. The excise tax on ethanol and methanol fuel blends containing up to 15% gasoline or diesel fuel is one-half the tax on gasoline and diesel prescribed by California Revenue and Taxation Code section 8651.
(Reference California Revenue and Taxation Code 8651-8651.8 and California Business and Professions Code 13404 and 13470)
Compressed natural gas, hydrogen, electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles meeting specified California and federal emissions standards and affixed with a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Clean Air Vehicle sticker may use HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle. Orange stickers expire January 1, 2024; blue stickers expire January 1, 2025; and yellow and green stickers expire September 30, 2025.
Residents with an annual income at or below 80% of California’s median income level may participate in the Income-Based CAV (IB-CAV) Decal Program, which allows used vehicles with previously issued CAV decals to retain eligibility for a CAV decal. IB-CAV decals are valid through January 1, 2024. Additional requirements apply.
Vehicles originally issued white, green, purple, or red decals are no longer eligible to participate in this program. Vehicles with stickers are also eligible for reduced rates on or exemptions from toll charges imposed on HOT lanes. For more information and restrictions, including a list of qualifying vehicles and additional eligibility requirements, see the California Air Resources Board Carpool Stickers website.
(Reference California Vehicle Code 5205.5 and 21655.9)
A low-speed EV, also known as a neighborhood electric vehicle, is defined as a motor vehicle with four wheels, a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,000 pounds or less, and capable of achieving a minimum speed of 20 miles per hour (mph) and a maximum speed of 25 mph. Low-speed EVs are subject to all provisions applicable to a motor vehicle and must meet federal safety standards established in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. Drivers of low-speed EVs must comply with all provisions applicable to drivers of motor vehicles. The operator of a low-speed EV may not operate the vehicle on any roadway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph except to cross a roadway at an intersection.
(Reference California Vehicle Code 385.5 and 21250-21266)
Southern California Edison (SCE) offers a discounted electricity rate to customers that own or lease an EV. Two rate schedules are available for EV charging during on- and off-peak hours. For more information, see the SCE EV Plans website.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) administers the Clean Transportation Program (Program) to provide financial incentives for businesses, vehicle and technology manufacturers, workforce training partners, fleet owners, consumers, and academic institutions with the goal of developing and deploying alternative and renewable fuels and advanced transportation technologies. Funding areas include:
(Reference California Health and Safety Code 44272 - 44273 and California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Chapter 8.1)
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) offers discounted residential time-of-use rates for electricity used to charge EVs during off-peak hours. Discounted rates are also available for CNG or uncompressed natural gas used in vehicle home fueling appliances. For more information, see the PG&E EV Rate Plans and CNG for Vehicles websites.
Converting a vehicle to operate on an alternative fuel in lieu of the original gasoline or diesel fuel is prohibited unless the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has evaluated and certified the retrofit system. CARB will issue certification to the manufacturer of the system in the form of an Executive Order once the manufacturer demonstrates compliance with the emissions, warranty, and durability requirements. A manufacturer is defined as a person or company who manufactures or assembles an alternative fuel retrofit system for sale in California; this definition does not include individuals wishing to convert vehicles for personal use. Individuals interested in converting their vehicles to operate on an alternative fuel must ensure that the alternative fuel retrofit systems used for their vehicles have been CARB certified. For more information, see the CARB Alternative Fuel Retrofit Systems website.
A hybrid electric vehicle that is Model Year 2000 or newer and is a passenger car, light-duty truck, or medium-duty vehicle may be converted to incorporate off-vehicle charging capability if the manufacturer demonstrates compliance with emissions, warranty, and durability requirements. CARB issues certification to the manufacturer and the vehicle must meet California emissions standards for the model year of the original vehicle.
(Reference California Code of Regulations Title 13, Section 2030-2032 and California Vehicle Code 27156)
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) offers three EV TOU rates to residential customers. For more information, including eligibility requirements and rate details, see the SDG&E EV Plans website.
The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) offers rebates for the purchase or lease of qualified vehicles. Qualified vehicles include light-duty electric vehicles (EVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved or certified. The rebate amounts are up to $4,500 for FCEVs, $2,000 for EVs, $1,000 for PHEVs, and $750 for zero emission motorcycles. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis to California residents who purchase or lease new eligible vehicles. Residents of San Diego County may be eligible for a preapproved rebate through the CVRP Rebate Now pilot. Manufacturers must apply to CARB to have their vehicles included in the CVRP.
Individuals are eligible for the rebate based on gross annual income, as stated on the individual’s federal tax return. Individuals with a gross annual income below the following thresholds are eligible for all rebates except those that apply to FCEVs:
Increased rebate amounts are available for individuals with low and moderate household incomes of less than or equal to 400% of the federal poverty level. CARB must provide outreach to low-income households and communities to raise awareness about CVRP.
For more information, including information on income verification, a list of eligible vehicles, and instructions on how to apply, see the CVRP website.
(Reference California Health and Safety Code 44274 and 44258)
The city of Santa Barbara (CA) in Santa Barbara County has an estimated population of 88,410.
There are currently at least 110 alternative fuel stations in or near Santa Barbara, CA (10-mile radius).
Federal and state laws keep the cost of alternative fuels competitive with gasoline or diesel.