The California Energy Commission approved funding for a raft of clean energy projects at its monthly meeting, including 15 grants totaling more than $5 million to install 475 EV charging stations in communities throughout California, including the cities of San Francisco, Burbank, Torrance and San Diego and the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Orange, Riverside and Los Angeles. These grants are funded by the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP).

“The Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program continues to support California’s goal of 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025,” said Commissioner Janea A. Scott. “These community investments assist in building the network of charging stations needed, and help accelerate growth in the electric vehicle market.”

Other funding items approved in this round include grants of $900,000 each to Transportation Power Inc., Efficient Drivetrains Inc., and Gas Technology Institute to develop natural gas plug-in hybrid vehicles; and two more Alternative Fuel Readiness Plans to help various regions of the state develop strategies for the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure.

“Developing alternative and cleaner transportation fuels and technologies are essential if California is to achieve its long term greenhouse gas reduction goals” said Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller “Our federal partners, including ARPA-E, are key players in advancing these initiatives.”

Source: California Energy Commission
Image: Nicolas Raymond