California Offers up to $100,000 per Port for EV Fast Chargers
Applications for the Fast Charge California Project opened Oct. 7 and close Jan. 14, 2027, prioritizing disadvantaged communities.
California is allocating at least $28 million to expand public EV fast-charging infrastructure, offering incentives of up to $100,000 per charging port. The state’s Fast Charge California Project opened for applications on Oct. 7, targeting businesses, nonprofits, public agencies, and eligible California tribes.
What Happened
The California Energy Commission funds the initiative through the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP), with the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) managing the program. Incentive amounts are tiered based on power output: ports with a guaranteed output of 150 kW to just under 275 kW qualify for up to $55,000, while those delivering at least 275 kW are eligible for up to $100,000. These funds can cover up to 100% of approved costs, including chargers, installation, planning, and engineering, though per-port caps remain in effect.
To qualify, projects must be ready to build, meaning applicants must already have a final utility service design or a letter from the utility confirming no new or upgraded service is needed, along with permits in place. Additionally, at least half of the connectors installed at each funded site must be CCS, and the chargers must be open to the public. Charging hubs, hotels, and business districts are no longer eligible site types for this round.
Why It Matters
The program aims to reduce upfront costs for property owners and increase the availability of public fast charging for EV drivers. Applications close on Jan. 14, 2027, with eligible projects funded in the order they are received. Qualifying projects in disadvantaged, low-income, and tribal communities will receive priority. This round follows $56.9 million awarded in spring 2026, which funded more than 1,266 ready-to-build DC fast-charging ports across all 58 California counties. CSE noted that more than 67% of those chargers were installed or planned in disadvantaged, low-income, and tribal communities.
The Bottom Line
The Fast Charge California Project represents a significant effort to accelerate EV infrastructure deployment by prioritizing ready-to-build projects and equitable access. A subsequent application window is scheduled for Feb. 24 through May 27, 2027, offering incentives of up to $55,000 per port. Applicants are encouraged to use CALeVIP’s EV Charging Opportunity Finder to assess potential sites.
