Summary
- California awarded over $32 million in federal funds for EV charging projects
- The funds will install, operate, and maintain 458 DCFC along interstates and highways
- California received funds from the NEVI Formula Program as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
- The state plans to deploy over 500 new charging ports across 70 sites
- The projects aim to increase the accessibility of EV charging stations, supporting California’s climate action goals
Article
California has made significant progress in expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging network by awarding over $32 million in federal funds for the installation of 458 direct-current fast chargers (DCFC) along the state’s busiest transportation corridors. This initiative is part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which is funded by the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. California expects to receive a total of $384 million for the program over the next several years, leading the way in clean energy infrastructure investment.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) collaborated to facilitate the rapid deployment of EV infrastructure through the allocation of federal funds. These funds will be used to install, operate, and maintain a network of over 500 new charging ports across 70 sites, representing an 85 percent increase over the initial expectations. The goal is to enhance the accessibility of EV charging stations along interstates and highways, aligning with the state’s commitment to building a more robust charging network and advancing its climate action goals.
California’s efforts to improve the EV driver experience include programs like NEVI and the CEC’s Clean Transportation Program, which provide incentives for EV service providers to expand charging infrastructure throughout the state. The awarded projects in the first round of NEVI formula funding consist of nine initiatives totaling over $32.7 million, with an additional $5 million expected to be approved by the end of the year. These projects focus on enhancing reliability and accessibility of charging stations along federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.
To ensure the success and equitable distribution of NEVI benefits, California adheres to federal standards that emphasize placing DCFC stations no more than 50 miles apart along freeways and highways, with an emphasis on serving disadvantaged, low-income, rural, and tribal communities. Caltrans is the lead agency for NEVI, and the CEC serves as the state energy partner administering the funds. The California Deployment Plan for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program outlines the state’s strategy to utilize the $384 million in federal NEVI funds to expand a network of high-powered DCFCs across the state.
California has a strong Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) record, with increasing ZEV sales reflecting a growing demand for clean transportation options. The state’s commitment to phasing out traditional vehicles in favor of ZEVs by 2035 has contributed to a rise in ZEV sales, with 25.7 percent of all new cars sold in California in Q2 of 2024 being ZEVs. The presence of over 60 ZEV and ZEV-related manufacturers in California indicates the state’s leadership in ZEV manufacturing jobs, highlighting its dedication to sustainable transportation solutions.
The California Energy Commission, as the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency, plays a key role in advancing state energy policy, promoting energy efficiency, investing in renewable energy, and developing initiatives to transform transportation. Caltrans is actively involved in projects that support California’s climate-friendly future, focusing on sustainability and rebuilding efforts. By prioritizing clean energy infrastructure and supporting the transition to electric vehicles, California is demonstrating its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable transportation network for the future.
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