The California Energy Commission (CEC) approved a $1.4 billion investment plan to accelerate progress on California’s EV charging and hydrogen refueling goals — a move that will see thousands more EV chargers being built statewide.
The funding is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s California Climate Commitment, which includes over $10 billion for zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure. The funding is in addition to billions already received from the Biden-Harris administration.
According to The Beverly Press, the investments will assist infrastructure buildouts for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty zero-emissions vehicles across the state, expanding the most extensive charging and hydrogen refueling network in the U.S.
The CEC’s Clean Transportation Program will utilize the $1.4 billion in state funding over the next four years. At least 50% will be used towards benefiting lower-income and disadvantaged communities.
The funding will support nearly 17,000 new chargers for passenger vehicles. Combined with other investment plans and federal funding, California expects to reach 250,000 chargers over the next few years.
“An important part of achieving our clean car future is building chargers in every corner of California, especially in neighborhoods historically left behind,” Newsom said in a statement.
Learn more here.