The California Energy Commission (CE) has approved a $1.4 billion plan to help the state achieve its 2025 electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refuelling goals.
The plan, according to the CEC, closes the funding gap to speed up the state’s zero-emission infrastructure build, supporting Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order phasing out the sale of new gasoline-powered passenger vehicles by 2025.
“This plan charts the path for Governor Newsom’s historic budget investments in zero-emission transportation infrastructure and manufacturing,” says Lead Commissioner for Transportation Patty Monahan.
“These dollars close the 2025 infrastructure funding gap so that access to charging and hydrogen fueling isn’t a barrier for those exploring cleaner transportation options including individuals, businesses and public agencies.”
The plan focuses on building-out zero-emission infrastructure, with almost 80% of the funding going to charging stations or hydrogen refuelling pumps. The money is also front-loaded, helping to ensure that public EV adoption isn’t held back by a lack of infrastructure.
The plan also looks at medium- and heavy-duty infrastructure and includes funding for 1,000 zero-emission school buses, 1,000 zero-emission public buses, and 1,150 zero-emission drayage trucks.
Of the $1.4 billion set aside, $314 million will be used for light-duty electric vehicle charging infrastructure, $690 million will be reserved for medium- and heavy-duty infrastructure and $77 million will be invested in hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
Meanwhile, $244 million will be reserved for EV manufacturing, $25 million will be used for zero- and near-zero-carbon fuel production and supply, and $15 million will be used for workforce training and development.
Keyword: California Commits $1.4 Billion to EV Charging and Hydrogen Filling