California approves $1.4 billion plan to build thousands more vehicle chargers, boost ZEV infrastructure

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Dec 11, 2024

What you need to know: California continues to invest an unprecedented amount of funding to build a bigger, better network of electric charging and hydrogen refueling stations, reaffirming the state's status as the country's zero-emission transportation leader.

SACRAMENTO - Thousands more electric vehicle (EV) chargers are coming to California.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) today approved a $1.4 billion investment plan that accelerates progress on the state's EV charging and hydrogen refueling goals. These investments will help deploy infrastructure for light, medium, and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) across California, expanding the most extensive charging and hydrogen refueling network in the country.

The plan details how the CEC'sClean Transportation Program will spend $1.4 billion in state funding over the next four years, with at least 50% targeted to benefit lower-income and disadvantaged communities. The funding is part of Governor Gavin Newsom's historic California Climate Commitment, which includes more than $10 billion for ZEVs and ZEV infrastructure. The state has also received billions from the Biden-Harris Administration for clean transportation.

Building ZEV infrastructure is a critical part of Governor Newsom's build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades across the state. Find projects building your community at build.ca.gov.

An important part of achieving our clean car future is building chargers in every corner of California, especially in neighborhoods historically left behind. With this investment, and the help of the private sector, we're building a bigger, better vehicle charging network that ensures Californians can reliably and affordably get where they're going.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The funds approved today will result in nearly 17,000 new chargers for passenger vehicles statewide. Over152,000 public and shared private chargers are installed today. Combined with previous investment plans, funding from the federal government, electric utilities and other programs, the state expects to reach 250,000 chargers in the next few years. In addition to the public network, the state estimates that more than 500,000 private home chargers are installed statewide.

The funds will become available over the next four years and distributed to projects through competitive grants. Projects include direct incentive and rebate programs for businesses, non-profit organizations, tribes and public agencies.

Why this matters

First created in 2007, the Clean Transportation Program is one of the first transportation-focused funding efforts established to help advance the state's climate change policies. To date, $2.3 billion has been invested in projects supporting ZEV infrastructure, alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies, providing the following benefits.

• Community benefits: 63% of funding awarded in disadvantaged or low-income communities.
• Chargers installed: Nearly 34,700 EV chargers installed or planned.
• Hydrogen stations: 96 public hydrogen fueling stations installed or planned.
• Car charging incentives: Creation of theCalifornia Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project to provide streamlined incentives for EV chargers.
• Truck and bus incentives: $100 million to 120 projects awarded for truck and bus charging and refueling through the Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles Project.
• Zero-emission school buses: 2,300 clean school buses funded, with1,100 ZEV school buses on the road.
• Manufacturing: 40 ZEV and ZEV-relatedmanufacturing projects that support in-state economic growth.
• Job training: Workforce training for more than 32,000 trainees and trainers, helping prepare workers for the clean transportation economy.

California's strategy for a clean transportation transition

This is a major milestone on California's path to a clean transportation future. In addition to advancing ZEVs, which topped 26.4% of all new California vehicle sales in the third quarter of 2024, the Newsom Administration is prioritizing clean fuel production, public transit and rail infrastructure enhancements, and a cleaner, smarter electric grid to help power it all. As California works toward this clean transportation future, the state is also advancing efforts to prevent gasoline price spikes.

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