Thousands more electric vehicle  chargers are coming to California after the California Energy Commission approved a $1.4 billion investment plan on Dec. 11 that accelerates progress on the state’s EV charging and hydrogen refueling goals. The investments will help deploy infrastructure for light, medium and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles across California, expanding the most extensive charging and hydrogen refueling network in the country.

The plan details how the CEC’s Clean Transportation Program will spend $1.4 billion in state funding over the next four years, with at least 50% targeted to benefit lower-income and disadvantaged communities. The funding is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s California Climate Commitment, which includes more than $10 billion for zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure. The state has also received billions from the Biden-Harris administration for clean transportation.

Building zero-emission vehicles infrastructure is critical in creating infrastructure upgrades across the state.

“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.

The funds will result in nearly 17,000 new chargers for passenger vehicles statewide. More than 152,000 public and shared private chargers are already installed in the state. Combined with previous investment plans, funding from the federal government, electric utilities and other programs, the state expects to reach 250,000 chargers in the next few years. In addition to the public network, state officials estimate that more than 500,000 private home chargers are installed statewide.

The funds will become available over the next four years and distributed to projects through competitive grants. Projects include direct incentive and rebate programs for businesses, nonprofits and public agencies.

For information, visit gov.ca.gov and build.ca.gov.