Over $55 Million Announced To Expand California Public EV Fast Charging

California has committed $55.2 million to significantly expand its public electric vehicle (EV) fast charging network through the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project. This investment aims to address the shortage of direct current (DC) fast chargers, which are crucial for enabling longer EV journeys across the state. While California already boasts over 201,000 public EV chargers, the majority are slower Level 2 chargers, which are less suitable for rapid recharging on extended trips. The funding is expected to support the installation of up to 1,000 new DC fast charging ports, with rebates of approximately $55,000 per port. These chargers will be deployed across publicly accessible locations throughout California, with a particular focus on prioritising projects in low-income, disadvantaged, and tribal communities. Such prioritisation aims to improve equitable access to fast charging infrastructure and ensure that underserved areas benefit from the transition to electric mobility. Bailey Muller, Senior Manager for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure at the Center for Sustainable Energy, emphasised the importance of public investment in fast charging infrastructure. She highlighted that these chargers help overcome the high upfront costs that may deter private investment and fill critical gaps in the charging network. Publicly funded fast chargers also support EV drivers without home charging options, such as renters, and contribute to accelerating emissions reductions in the transportation sector. The rollout timeline for the new chargers is relatively swift, with all installations required to be completed within 450 days of funding reservation. Early phases of the project have demonstrated an average energisation time of just over 100 days. Notably, in the most recent funding cycle, 64% of installed fast chargers were located in disadvantaged, low-income, or tribal areas, signalling a strong commitment to addressing equity in EV infrastructure deployment. This expansion marks a significant step forward in California’s efforts to support widespread EV adoption and sustainable transport.