EVCS, a operator of electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging networks on the West Coast, has secured a $1.9 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) Rural Electric Vehicle (REV) program. This funding will be utilized to install 30 DC fast chargers and 8 Level 2 chargers across Northern and Central California, aiming to improve EV infrastructure access for rural, low-income, and disadvantaged communities.
The REV program is focused on enhancing EV charging accessibility in underserved or unserved regions. Apart from expanding access, the grant received by EVCS will play a crucial role in ensuring the chargers’ reliability and accessibility through comprehensive support and maintenance services.
EVCS is actively expanding its charging network, with plans to double the number of chargers to over 1,500 and enter more than 35 new cities by the year’s end. Thanks to the CEC funding, this expansion will include new markets like Mendocino County, Butte County, and San Joaquin County.
Gustavo Occhuizzo, the CEO and Co-Founder of EVCS, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with the CEC for this significant initiative. He highlighted that the funding will enable the installation of more chargers in rural areas and along interstate corridors while engaging local communities to promote EV adoption. Occhuizzo emphasized EVCS’s commitment to supporting California in leading the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Commissioner Patty Monahan of the California Energy Commission expressed pleasure in supporting EVCS’s efforts to expand EV infrastructure access in rural, low-income, and disadvantaged communities. Monahan acknowledged the contribution of companies like EVCS in helping California achieve its goals for zero-emission transportation. The partnership between CEC and EVCS is anticipated to result in the activation of charging sites in the near future.
