California has launched a $55 million incentive program to expand public electric vehicle (EV) fast charging, as part of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP). CALeVIP is recognized as the largest EV charging incentive initiative in the United States. Since its inception in 2017, it has supported nearly 10,000 EV charger installations to help meet the needs of over 2.2 million light-duty EVs registered in the state, according to program administrator Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE).
The new Fast Charge California Project will offer incentives exclusively for direct current fast chargers at publicly accessible sites. Eligible locations include convenience stores, gas stations, retail centers, parking lots, and other high-traffic destinations. Priority will be given to projects located in tribal areas, disadvantaged communities, and low-income communities—regions that often lack sufficient access to fast-charging infrastructure.
To qualify for incentives, projects must be ready to build with a final utility service design and all necessary permits secured. Full eligibility requirements and application instructions are available on the Fast Charge California Project webpage.
“This is the biggest CALeVIP project ever. It’s the first to be statewide. And, it’s the first to cover up to 100% of eligible costs,” said Hannon Rasool, director of the CEC Fuels and Transportation Division. “Installing more fast chargers is vital to California’s zero emission vehicle transition, and the Fast Charge California Project prioritizes ready-to-build fast charging projects, with eligible projects in disadvantaged communities going to the top of the list.”
Funding for CALeVIP comes from both the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program and the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
Key features of this project include covering up to 100% of project costs—capped at $100,000 per charging port—with specific amounts based on charger capacity: $55,000 per port for chargers between 150 kilowatts and 274.99 kilowatts; $100,000 per port for those above 275 kilowatts.
“State-funded incentives are essential for the rapid and equitable expansion of California’s electric vehicle charging network,” said Evan Wright, CSE’s director of EV infrastructure and operations. “This program is designed to get fast chargers in the ground…fast.”
The California Energy Commission serves as California’s main energy policy agency with responsibilities that include advancing energy policy goals and investing in transportation innovation.
The Center for Sustainable Energy is a national nonprofit focused on accelerating clean transportation adoption through data-driven programs serving governments and private organizations.
