Electric vehicles (EV) may utilize parking spaces designated for electric vehicle charging at various locations around campus.
EV Parking Payment
You may pay one daily rate to park and charge your electric vehicle through an AggiePark app. The "Zone + Electric" price includes the cost of parking in an EV stall and charging your vehicle for up to 4 hours, as well as your parking permit.
- To pay, look for a "+ EV Fueling" zone in the app, which will be posted on signs located at charging station parking stalls.
- Charge only up to the time posted, then move your vehicle to an equivalent or lower cost zone.
PowerFlex Smart Chargers Coming in June 2026
PowerFlex Chargers Coming June 2026
- Find available chargers in real time
- Start and monitor charging sessions
- Receive notifications when charging is complete
- Set charging preferences
- Manage payment methods and wallet settings
UC Davis Transportation Services is upgrading campus electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure with new PowerFlex smart chargers at existing charging locations across campus.
The new system improves reliability, helps drivers find available chargers more easily, and introduces a pay-by-use charging model that better reflects the university’s actual electricity and maintenance costs.
Getting Started
- Download the free PowerFlex mobile app for iPhone or Android
- Create an account using your email address and phone number. You will also need to create a password.
- Employees and Students: this information does not need to match your UC Davis login credentials
- Choose your preferred payment option, including:
- Credit cards
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Pay for Charging
- Launch the PowerFlex app
- Navigate to the "Start Charging" tab at the bottom of the app
- Scan the QR code located on the charger, or enter the charger code manually if needed
- Plug in and begin charging
- Don't forget! You need a valid daily/monthly permit while charging.
Pay-by-Use Charging
With the new system, daily and monthly EV charging add-ons will be eliminated and replaced with a pay-by-use charging model.
Beginning when new units are activated and signage is installed, the charging rate will be:
$0.42 per kilowatt hour (kWh)
This new rate:
- Reflects the university’s actual electricity costs
- Supports maintenance and repairs
- Funds future charger expansion and infrastructure improvements
Charging Limits and Idle Fees
Vehicles may charge for up to four hours, consistent with current campus policy. After four hours, or once a vehicle stops actively charging, an idle fee equivalent to the hourly parking rate may apply. These fees help keep charging spaces available for other drivers and encourage turnover at high-demand locations.
Why the New System?
More Reliable Charging
The current campus charging system is not networked, which limits the university’s ability to identify outages or equipment failures until users report issues.
The PowerFlex network provides:
- Real-time monitoring
- Automatic outage alerts
- Faster maintenance response
- Improved charger reliability
Improved Access to Charging Spaces
Charging spaces are intended for active charging only.
The upgraded system helps improve charger availability by:
- Sending notifications when vehicles are fully charged
- Encouraging turnover at high-demand charging locations
- Allowing enforcement staff to better identify inactive charging sessions
Vehicles may charge for up to four hours, consistent with current campus policy.
After four hours — or once a vehicle stops actively charging — drivers may incur an idle fee equivalent to the hourly parking rate.
Construction and Installation Timeline
Installation is expected to begin after Commencement and may continue into July 2026. Work will be completed in phases across campus, beginning with larger charging locations such as Lot 1.
To support construction and user awareness:
- Temporary signage and A-frame notices will be placed at work locations
- Permanent signage with QR codes and webpage links will be installed at upgraded charging locations
- Existing chargers may be temporarily unavailable during installation
Transportation Services and Utilities will coordinate the installation sequence based on operational and infrastructure needs
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will charging fees begin?
PowerFlex charging fees will begin once new charging devices are activated and signage is installed at the upgraded locations.
Until then, existing chargers will continue operating under the current add-on permit system.
- What happens to EV charging add-ons?
- Daily and monthly EV charging add-ons will be discontinued in June 2026 as the campus transitions to the pay-by-use model.
- Will charging cost more?
Yes. The new pricing model reflects the university’s actual electricity costs and supports maintenance and future infrastructure improvements.
Current campus charging rates are below the university’s actual electricity costs.
- Can Health Equity funds be used for charging?
- No. EV charging is considered a fueling purchase and is not eligible under Health Equity parking benefits.
- Do I need a parking permit when charging in a charging space?
- Yes. You must have both a valid parking permit and an active charging session when parked in an EV charging space. Charging fees cover the cost of electricity and do not replace parking permit requirements.
- How long can I stay in a charging space?
Vehicles may remain in a charging space for up to four hours while actively charging.
After charging stops or the four-hour limit is reached, an idle fee equivalent to the hourly parking rate may apply.
- Are university vehicles subject to the same charging rates?
- Yes. University vehicles will pay the same charging rates as other users when charging at PowerFlex stations. Charging costs will be paid using the WEX fleet fuel card provided with the vehicle.