The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved a project that aims to accelerate the deployment of fueling infrastructure for electric and/or hydrogen trucks, buses and equipment.

The $50 million-dollar, multi-year EnergIIZE (Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles) project will use “a concierge-like model,” working directly with eligible applicants to help plan and fund the purchase of charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure. 

The project will be administered by CALSTART, which will receive an initial $17 million to design and launch the program. Additional funding will be subject to annual approval of the state budget and allocations from the CEC. The project team consists of CALSTART’s long-term voucher program administrator, Tetra Tech, and equity partner GRID Alternatives, a non-profit organization that manages clean energy programs in low-income communities.

The EnergIIZE Commercial Vehicles project will “provide fleet managers with technical and financial assistance as well as operational assurance that they are planning accurately for charging and refueling needs,” said CEC Commissioner Patty Monahan. “The project is designed as a multi-year effort to provide market certainty as more companies are investing in the state’s clean transportation future.”

“Air pollution has already taken a heavy toll on the health of our communities. Our communities cannot wait, and that is why I am fully supportive, and excited that we are taking bold steps toward cleaner technologies for truck and bus fleets in our state,” said State Senator Lena Gonzalez. “As Chair of the Transportation committee, I will always do everything in my power to advance and promote the use of cleaner vehicle technologies at our ports, roads and major freeways.”

Source: California Energy Commission