The California Energy Commission (CEC) has given the green light for $1.9 billion in funding to be allocated towards new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and hydrogen refueling stations in the state. This initiative is part of the broader $48 billion ‘California Climate Commitment’, aimed at bolstering infrastructure for zero-emission cars, trucks, and buses over the next four years.
The approved funds will facilitate the installation of 40,000 new charging and H2 refueling stations throughout California. With more than $10 billion earmarked for zero-emission vehicles and associated infrastructure under the California Climate Commitment, the state is making significant strides in its clean transportation agenda. Additionally, the CEC announcement notes that California has received substantial funding from the Biden-Harris Administration to further support these efforts.
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This funding will be distributed through competitive grants over the next four years, with an emphasis on benefiting priority populations. Eligible applicants include companies, non-profit organizations, tribes, and public institutions. The allocation includes $1.02 billion for commercial vehicle charging and fuelling infrastructure, $658 million for passenger vehicle charging infrastructure, and $130 million for charging and fuelling infrastructure at ports, among other categories.
Patty Monahan, CEC’s Lead Commissioner for Transportation, emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to zero-emission refuelling infrastructure. By allocating a significant portion of funds to benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities, the state aims to improve access to chargers and reduce pollution from trucks and buses in these areas.
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The CEC estimates that by 2030, California will have approximately 7.1 million electric vehicles on the road, necessitating one million chargers. Additionally, the state will need 114,500 chargers for the expected 155,000 electric trucks and buses. By 2035, these numbers are projected to increase to 15.2 million EVs requiring 2.1 million charging stations, along with 377,000 electric trucks and buses needing 264,000 chargers.
The California Climate Commitment, with its substantial funding allocations, is expected to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility in the state. In 2023, electric vehicles accounted for 25 percent of new cars sold in California, and there are currently nearly 94,000 public and publicly accessible charging stations installed across the state.
