CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION
California Opens $55 Million Incentive Program to Expand Public Electric Vehicle Fast Charging

The California Energy Commission (CEC) today (Aug 5) announced the launch of the Fast Charge California Project, a $55 million incentive program offering up to 100% of the installation costs for electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers at businesses and public sites across the state. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 29.

The program is part of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP), the nation's largest EV charging incentive initiative. Since 2017, CALeVIP has supported the deployment of nearly 10,000 EV chargers, helping to accommodate the state's more than 2.2 million light-duty EVs, according to the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), the program's administrator. 

To qualify, sites must be publicly accessible, and priority will be given to locations in tribal areas, disadvantaged communities, and low-income communities - areas often underserved by fast-charging infrastructure. Eligible locations include convenience stores, gas stations, retail centers, parking lots, and other high-traffic destinations. 

Before applying for incentives, charging projects must be ready to build with a final utility service design and all required permits. Full eligibility requirements and application details are available on the Fast Charge California Project webpage.

"This is the biggest CALeVIP project ever. It's the first to be statewide. And, it's the first to cover up to 100% of eligible costs," said Hannon Rasool, director of the CEC Fuels and Transportation Division. "Installing more fast chargers is vital to California's zero emission vehicle transition, and the Fast Charge California Project prioritizes ready-to-build fast charging projects, with eligible projects in disadvantaged communities going to the top of the list."

CALeVIP funding comes from the CEC's Clean Transportation Program and the state's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. 

Fast Charge California Project  Key Features

• Incentives for direct current fast chargers only.
• Statewide eligibility at publicly accessible sites.
• Up to 100% of project cost covered, capped at $100,000 per charging port.
• $55,000 per port for 150 - 274.99 kilowatts.
• $100,000 per port for over 275 kilowatts.
• Projects must be ready to build with final utility design and permits.
• Priority given to tribal, disadvantaged and low-income communities.

"State-funded incentives are essential for the rapid and equitable expansion of California's electric vehicle charging network," said Evan Wright, CSE's director of EV infrastructure and operations. "This program is designed to get fast chargers in the ground fast." 

About the California Energy Commission
The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. It has seven core responsibilities: advancing state energy policy, encouraging energy efficiency, certifying thermal power plants, investing in energy innovation, developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, and preparing for energy emergencies.

About Center for Sustainable Energy

Center for Sustainable Energy® (CSE) is a national nonprofit that accelerates adoption of clean transportation and distributed energy through effective and equitable program design and administration. Governments, utilities and the private sector trust CSE for its data-driven and software-enabled approach, deep domain expertise and customer-focused team.