On Wednesday, the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved a $1.4 billion investment plan aimed at advancing emissions-free transportation in the state. The plan focuses on the installation of nearly 17,000 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and hydrogen refueling infrastructure over the next four years, with funds distributed through competitive grants. California currently has around 152,000 public and shared private chargers, with plans to increase this number to 250,000 in the coming years, in addition to over half a million private home chargers.
Patty Monahan, the CEC’s lead commissioner for transportation, emphasized that the plan reaffirms California’s commitment to zero-emission refueling infrastructure, particularly for low-income and disadvantaged communities that need it most. The funding is part of the state’s $48 billion climate budget, which allocates more than $10 billion toward zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure. Additionally, California has received significant federal support for clean transportation initiatives.
A key aspect of the plan is that at least 50% of the investment will benefit “priority populations” – communities that face multiple sources of pollution or lack the resources to invest in low-carbon solutions. Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the importance of expanding the charging network to underserved areas, ensuring that all Californians, regardless of location, have access to reliable and affordable transportation options.
Nationwide, EV sales are on the rise, boosted by federal tax incentives. However, President-elect Donald Trump has expressed interest in eliminating the EV tax credit, a proposal that could face opposition from groups like the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents major U.S. vehicle manufacturers. In response to potential changes at the federal level, Newsom has suggested that California might propose a new version of its Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which was phased out in 2023 but had previously helped fund over 594,000 vehicle purchases and leases. As of the third quarter of 2024, EV sales accounted for nearly 9% of U.S. light-duty vehicle sales, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
