The California Energy Commission (CEC) has announced a competitive solicitation for up to $40,500,000 in grant funds for DC fast EV charging infrastructure projects.

Interested parties can submit applications for grants before the deadline of January 26, 2024. (The CEC’s application page contains a lengthy list of documents explaining how to apply.)

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the CEC have partnered to create California’s Deployment Plan for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The Deployment Plan describes how the state plans to allocate its $384-million share of federal NEVI funds to build out a network of DC fast chargers throughout the state.

In the initial round, NEVI funds must be used to deploy chargers along federally-designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.

Each NEVI-funded DC fast charge station will have a minimum of four 150 kW Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors and a minimum total station power of 600 kW. Stations will be located no more than 50 miles apart along freeways and highways, and no more than one mile from a freeway exit or highway roadway. At least 40 percent of NEVI benefits must be allocated to disadvantaged, low-income, rural and tribal communities.

Source: California Energy Commission