California opened applications today for grants that can pay the whole cost of a public EV fast charger, up to $100,000 for each of the fastest ports. If you drive an EV in the state, this money will pay for many of the new charging stalls that open over the next couple of years.
The program is called the Fast Charge California Project. The California Energy Commission (CEC) pays for it, and the Center for Sustainable Energy runs it through CALeVIP, the state's program for charging incentives. The grants can cover up to 100% of approved costs, up to a cap that depends on how much power a port can guarantee. Ports rated at 275 kW or more qualify for up to $100,000 each, and ports rated at 150 to 274.99 kW qualify for up to $55,000.
Electrek reports that this round has at least $28 million to give out. That's part of the $55.2 million the CEC announced on May 28, which the agency split across two application windows. This window runs through January. A second window, from February 24 to May 27, 2027, drops the cap to $55,000 per port for every eligible charger, with a 150 kW minimum.
Only for projects that can start building
This money won't pay for ideas still on the drawing board. Before applying, builders need their permits and a final utility service design, or a letter from the utility saying no new connection is needed. After that, they have 450 days to finish the work. Businesses, nonprofits, public agencies and tribes can all apply. Grants go first come, first served, and sites in low-income, disadvantaged and tribal communities get to go first.
The CEC says the last round paid for more than 1,200 ports that were ready to build. "Expanding access to reliable and convenient fast charging is essential to support California's growing number of electric vehicle (EV) drivers and keep the state on track toward its clean transportation goals," said Spencer Reeder, director of the CEC's Fuels and Transportation Division, when the funding was announced on May 28.
Where Tesla's plug fits
The state's program pages never mention Tesla. CALeVIP now accepts J3400, the plug Tesla designed and most automakers are switching to. But at least half the connectors at every site still have to be CCS, the older standard plug. As written, a site with nothing but J3400 plugs wouldn't meet that rule. The program does say that CCS or J3400 adapters built into the charger so they can't be removed count as an additional connector. It doesn't say whether such an adapter, like Tesla's Magic Dock, counts toward the CCS half. Builders also can't combine these grants with federal NEVI charging money.
Applications close January 14 at 5 p.m. Pacific. Builders who miss that date can try the spring window, but they'll get less money for the top tier of ports.
Sources
- 1.Fast Charge California Project Window 2 · CALeVIP / Center for Sustainable Energy
- 2.California offers up to $100,000 per port for EV fast chargers · Electrek
- 3.California Energy Commission Announces Over $55M to Expand Public EV Fast Charging · California Energy Commission
- 4.Fast Charge California Project · CALeVIP / Center for Sustainable Energy
Reported by the WattsUpNext desk from the sources linked below. Spot an error? Tell us at corrections@wattsupnext.com.
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