Nissan offers PG&E discount

Automakers, it seems, have figured out a new way to reach potential electric vehicle buyers — go through their utility company.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced this week that its customers can receive $3,000 off a new 2018 Nissan Leaf, a special offer that will end July 2. The discount — which comes out of the automaker’s profit and does not involve a rebate from PG&E — will be applied at the time of sale.

The idea is not unique. BMW currently offers PG&E customers a $10,000 discount on its i3 electric car, a deal that expires at the end of May. The special offers from both Nissan and BMW come in addition to California’s $2,500 rebate for buying an electric car as well as the federal government’s $7,500 EV tax credit.