California Opens up $28 Million in Funding for EV Chargers
The Fast Charge California Project offers up to $100,000 per port for 275 kW+ stations on a first-come, first-served basis.
California has launched a new incentive round to expand public DC fast charging infrastructure, allocating at least $28 million through the state’s Fast Charge California Project. The program offers subsidies of up to $100,000 per charging port for high-power installations.
What Happened
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has opened the second funding window for its Fast Charge California Project, which runs through January 14, 2027. The initiative provides financial support for the purchase and installation of eligible DC fast chargers. Incentives are tiered based on power output: ports delivering between 150 kW and 274.99 kW are eligible for up to $55,000 per port, while those capable of delivering at least 275 kW can receive up to $100,000 per port. To qualify, projects must be ready to build, meaning they must have an issued permit and a final utility service design in place. Additionally, the chargers must be publicly available, owned by the applicant, and include a minimum of 50% CCS connectors.
Why It Matters
This funding round prioritizes projects in disadvantaged and low-income communities, aiming to address historical gaps in charging access. Spencer Reeder, director of CEC’s Fuels and Transportation Division, stated that the program is designed to support the growing number of electric vehicles by expanding access to reliable fast charging. The initiative is part of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP), the largest EV charging incentive program in the United States. Since 2017, CALeVIP has supported 10,200 charger installations statewide. The previous round in 2026 awarded $56.9 million, funding over 1,200 ready-to-build ports. Notably, charging hubs, hotels, and business districts are no longer eligible for this specific round, while businesses, public facilities, and sites along major travel routes remain eligible. A third funding window is planned for February 24 through May 27, 2027, but with a lower incentive cap of $55,000 per port.
The Bottom Line
California continues to invest heavily in public EV infrastructure through the Fast Charge California Project, offering significant subsidies for high-power DC fast chargers. The current $28 million round emphasizes readiness and high-power capabilities, with a focus on equitable distribution across communities.
