The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved $95.2 million in new funding through the state’s Clean Transportation Program to expand zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. The largest allocation, $48 million, will support electric vehicle charging infrastructure, while additional funding will target medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, hydrogen refuelling and workforce development.
EV Charging Receives Largest Allocation
Of the total investment, $48 million will be directed toward infrastructure supporting electric passenger vehicles.
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The funding is part of California’s broader effort to expand charging availability and support the transition from conventional vehicles to zero-emission transportation.
The state has also allocated $30.2 million for infrastructure serving medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. Projects supported by this funding can involve freight operations, ports, public fleets and school buses.
Hydrogen and Workforce Funding
Hydrogen refuelling infrastructure will receive $15 million under the latest funding plan.
A further $2 million has been allocated for workforce training and development, supporting skills development associated with the state’s growing zero-emission transportation infrastructure.
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At least 50% of the programme’s funding must benefit or serve low-income residents and disadvantaged or low-income communities, adding a geographic and social component to the investment.
“Tailpipe emissions from transportation account for roughly 50% of the pollution dirtying our air and harming the climate,” said California Energy Commissioner Nancy Skinner. “The faster California can build out ZEV infrastructure, giving drivers the confidence they need to get off of gas-powered vehicles, the quicker we can clean the air and improve public health.”
California Expands ZEV Support
The infrastructure investment follows California’s launch of the MyFirstEV programme earlier in August. The initiative provides an instant $3,500 rebate to Californians purchasing their first zero-emission vehicle.
California’s Clean Transportation Program has supported the expansion of zero-emission vehicle infrastructure since 2008 and has awarded more than $2.7 billion in grants.
The latest $95.2 million allocation covers the current fiscal year, while the investment plan also outlines projected funding through the 2028-2029 fiscal year.
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More Than 52,000 Charging Points Supported
Since its creation, the Clean Transportation Program has funded or planned more than 52,000 EV charging points across California.
The programme’s portfolio includes approximately 41,000 lower-power chargers and more than 11,000 DC fast chargers.
It has also supported more than 40 manufacturing projects and over 30 workforce training initiatives, as well as hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for light-, medium- and heavy-duty fuel-cell vehicles.
The latest funding expands an established state programme covering multiple areas of zero-emission transportation, from passenger EV charging to commercial vehicle infrastructure and workforce development.