California's $55M Fast Charging Initiative Covers All Expenses Completely
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has launched the Fast Charge California Project, a groundbreaking initiative providing up to 100% of the installation costs for new DC fast chargers at publicly accessible businesses and sites statewide. With a total funding of $55 million, the program aims to accelerate the expansion of California's electric vehicle (EV) charging network, particularly in disadvantaged communities and low-income neighborhoods.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include California-based site owners, authorized agents, businesses, nonprofits, public/government entities, and Native American tribes. Authorized agents may include property managers, EV service providers, or contractors with a Site Verification Form.
Eligible Sites
Eligible sites must be publicly accessible and can include gas stations, convenience stores, retail centers, parking lots, and other high-traffic public sites. The chargers must be new DC fast chargers with at least 50% Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors installed per site, a minimum 150 kilowatt (kW) power output at each station when all ports are in use, and at least four charging ports per station. Additionally, the chargers must support network connectivity for remote diagnostics, starts, data collection, and software updates.
Priority Communities
The project prioritizes shovel-ready sites, meaning applicants need to have a final utility service design and all required permits before applying. Priority is also given to projects located in tribal areas, disadvantaged communities, and low-income neighborhoods.
Application Details
The program is open now through October 29, 2025, and incentives are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Recipients can receive up to $100,000 per charging station, covering purchase and installation costs fully if needed. Projects that are shovel-ready and located in priority communities are prioritized.
Part of a Larger Initiative
The Fast Charge California Project is part of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP), which has already helped deploy nearly 10,000 EV chargers since 2017. This program represents the state's largest statewide fast charging incentive effort to date.
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