ChargePoint has been awarded more than $19 million through its partners to deploy 248 DC fast charging ports at 45 locations along California highways. This funding, recently approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the California Department of Transportation, marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to enhance electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
The initiative is part of California’s initial allocation from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The 45 sites selected for the installation of ChargePoint’s fast chargers are strategically positioned along highways experiencing high EV charger congestion, particularly along key routes like I-5, aimed at better connecting California’s largest cities.
Most of the awarded sites will feature ChargePoint’s Express Plus charging stations, which offer modular DC fast charging capabilities of up to 500 kW and can charge two vehicles simultaneously. This expansion is expected to alleviate charging pressures on the state’s highway network.
In a related development, ChargePoint has recently integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into its app for diagnosing faults at charging stations. This tool enables the company to report defective charging points and identify issues on-site effectively.
California continues to advance its electric vehicle charging infrastructure with numerous initiatives this year. Notable projects include the establishment of an electric charging hub for trucks by Travel Centers of America in Ontario, the opening of an electric truck charging station hub by Electrify America and 4Gen Logistics in Rialto, and investments in curbside charging infrastructure in Los Angeles. Additionally, Ford and Southern California Edison are testing smart charging technologies, while the CEC has announced $32.7 million to fund 450 public DC chargers, potentially contributing to ChargePoint’s recent projects.
