California Commits $1.9 Billion to Expand EV and Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure

California is rolling out an unprecedented $1.9 billion investment plan to significantly enhance its electric vehicle (EV) and hydrogen refueling infrastructure. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has greenlit this investment, aiming to fortify the state’s position in the race towards a zero-emission future for cars, trucks, and buses.

This financial commitment is set to accelerate California’s progress in achieving its ambitious electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling goals. The plan is designed to facilitate the deployment of infrastructure for light, medium, and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) across the state, positioning California to host the nation’s most comprehensive charging and hydrogen refueling network.

The initiative is part of the broader $48 billion California Climate Commitment, which dedicates over $10 billion specifically for ZEVs and ZEV infrastructure, bolstered further by significant federal support from the Biden-Harris Administration for clean transportation.

With the funds, California anticipates the installation of 40,000 new chargers, augmenting the nearly 94,000 public and shared private chargers currently in place. This effort, combined with previous investments, federal funding, utilities, and other programs, aims to elevate the state’s charger count to 250,000 in the coming years, not including private and home installations.

Highlighting the initiative’s focus on inclusivity, CEC’s Lead Commissioner for Transportation Patty Monahan emphasized the importance of ensuring zero-emission refueling infrastructure benefits everyone, especially low-income and disadvantaged communities. This approach aims to enhance access to chargers and reduce pollution from heavy vehicles like trucks and buses in the communities that need it most.

The investment will be distributed over the next four years through competitive grants to projects, including direct incentive and rebate programs targeting businesses, non-profits, tribes, and public agencies.

Clean Transportation Program Achievements:

• Since its inception in 2007, the program has allocated $1.8 billion towards ZEV infrastructure, alternative fuels, and advanced vehicle technologies.
• 59% of funding has benefited disadvantaged or low-income communities.
• Installation or planning of nearly 24,500 EV chargers.
• Funding for 96 public hydrogen fueling stations, with 61 currently operational.
• Creation of incentive programs for EV chargers and significant investments in truck and bus charging/refueling projects.
• Support for ZEV manufacturing and workforce training, preparing over 32,000 individuals for the clean transportation economy.

Looking Ahead:

The CEC’s latest Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Assessment indicates the need for 1 million chargers by 2030 to support 7.1 million EVs, and 2.1 million chargers by 2035 for 15.2 million EVs. These projections underline the critical role of the Clean Transportation Program’s investments in meeting the state’s future infrastructure requirements.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s extension of the program through 2035, providing a dedicated funding source for ZEV infrastructure, coupled with efforts to enhance charger reliability and operational transparency, underscores California’s commitment to leading the nation in clean transportation and ZEV adoption.

In 2023, ZEVs accounted for 25% of new car sales in California, surpassing several of the state’s ambitious ZEV targets ahead of schedule. This success not only positions ZEVs as a top export but also drives significant advancements in manufacturing and job creation, marking a new era in California’s green transportation journey.