The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has allocated $122.9 million to California to enhance electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure. The funding, which supports medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles alongside passenger EVs, is part of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program.
The grant will fund six projects across the state, with $55.9 million dedicated to the commercial vehicle sector. This includes the installation of 21 public charging sites equipped with over 130 high-powered zero-emission vehicle charger ports along heavily trafficked routes within California and between California and Nevada. The allocation also includes the development of a hydrogen refueling station for heavy-duty vehicles.
“Reducing emissions from our transportation sector is a key component in reaching California’s ambitious climate and clean air goals,” said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these investments will decarbonize our freight sector, protect public health, and help low-income communities save on their energy costs.”
The remaining $67 million will fund five community-focused projects aimed at improving EV accessibility. San Francisco’s Environment Department will receive $15 million to install up to 300 EV charging ports in public garages, lots, and curbside locations, prioritizing underserved areas. Santa Cruz will gain $14.35 million to establish EV charging infrastructure at 44 government-owned sites, and San Bernardino will receive $14.06 million to create its first public EV charging network with 101 chargers across 15 locations.
San Jose is set to receive $12 million for 237 EV chargers in Santa Clara County, focusing on underserved communities. Sacramento’s Municipal Utility District will use $11.63 million to create nine EV charging hubs and conduct public education campaigns on EV benefits.
This funding round marks the third allocation under the CFI program. In previous rounds, California received $318 million for similar projects. The CFI program, backed by $2.5 billion in total funding, complements the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which focuses on highway fast-charging stations.
Source: padilla.senate.gov
