Energy policy and planning agency the California Energy Commission (CEC) has announced the launch of the Fast Charge California Project, a US$55m incentive program offering up to 100% of the installation costs for EV fast chargers at businesses and public sites across the state.
Applications will be accepted through to October 29 for the program, which is part of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) state-wide 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.
Key features of the Fast Charge California Project include: 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, US$55,000 per port for 150 ‒ 274.99 kilowatts; US$100,000 per port for over 275 kilowatts; Projects must be ready to build with final utility design and permits; and 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.”
