California approves USD1.4 billion for EV chargers expansion

California has taken a significant step towards its clean transportation future with the approval of a USD1.4 billion investment plan by the California Energy Commission (CEC). This ambitious initiative aims to boost the state’s electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, paving the way for thousands of new chargers and advancing zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption.

The funding, allocated over the next four years under the Clean Transportation Program, prioritises disadvantaged and lower-income communities, with at least 50% of the investment targeting these areas. The initiative is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s California Climate Commitment, which includes more than USD10 billion for ZEVs and associated infrastructure.

Newsom highlighted the significance of the project: “An important part of achieving our clean car future is building chargers in every corner of California, especially in neighborhoods historically left behind. With this investment, and the help of the private sector, we’re building a bigger, better vehicle charging network that ensures Californians can reliably and affordably get where they’re going.”

The approved funds will facilitate the installation of nearly 17,000 new public and shared private EV chargers. Combined with existing chargers, federal funding, and utility initiatives, the state aims to reach 250,000 chargers in the coming years. Additionally, California is already home to more than 500,000 private home chargers.

The plan will also support hydrogen infrastructure, with 96 public hydrogen refuelling stations installed or planned, and offer incentives for businesses, non-profits, public agencies, and tribal organisations through competitive grants.

Since its inception in 2007, the Clean Transportation Program has been instrumental in driving ZEV infrastructure and clean vehicle adoption. To date, USD2.3 billion has been invested, yielding significant benefits such as funding nearly 35,000 EV chargers, supporting clean school buses, and providing workforce training for more than 32,000 individuals.

California’s strategy for a clean transportation transition includes clean fuel production, smarter electric grids, and enhancements to public transit and rail systems.