CA Funding $100M for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Charging and Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure

The EnergIIZE (Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission) Commercial Vehicles Project is a pivotal initiative aiming to accelerate the transition to a cleaner transportation future in California. With over $100 million earmarked for zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, EnergIIZE focuses on the distribution of funds for the purchase and installation of charging solutions for electric vehicles as well as hydrogen refueling stations for fuel cell vehicles.

The project targets medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, which are significant contributors to transportation-related emissions. The substantial investment will fund the installation of over 1,500 electric chargers and nearly 60 hydrogen dispensers, drastically expanding California’s capacity to support a growing fleet of zero-emission trucks and buses. This effort, funded by the California Energy Commission and administered by CALSTART, not only underscores California’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also aims to stimulate market demand for zero-emission commercial vehicles, thereby paving the way for a sustainable transportation ecosystem.

In a significant development, EnergIIZE announced that it stands as the nation’s first incentives program specifically tailored for commercial vehicle fleet infrastructure. Demonstrating an innovative approach to funding, the program has delineated four standard opportunities engineered to cater to the varied needs within the sector: The EV Fast Track, which commenced accepting applications starting on February 7, is designed to expedite the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations. Another pillar of the program, the Hydrogen funding opportunity, is set to open in mid-April 2024, aiming to encourage the enterprise of hydrogen fueling infrastructure. Complementing these is the EV Jump Start, focused on early investments for emerging technologies, and the EV Public Charging Station initiative, which seeks to expand the accessibility of public charging facilities. Collectively, these funding streams exemplify EnergIIZE’s comprehensive strategy to foster an inclusive and robust zero-emission transportation network.

Additional Funding

In alignment with its mission to promote cleaner air and transportation sustainability, EnergIIZE has introduced three set-aside funding lanes that augment the California Air Resources Board’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). These additional avenues of funding are designed to specifically bolster the transition for bus and drayage fleet vehicles towards zero emissions. The Public School Bus Set-Aside aims to assist public schools in upgrading to cleaner transportation for students, reducing children’s exposure to harmful emissions. The Transit Set-Aside is dedicated to aiding public transit agencies in their efforts to move towards a greener, more environmentally friendly fleet. Lastly, the Drayage Set-Aside focuses on the critical area of port trucking, supporting the switch to zero-emission vehicles that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible. These targeted set-asides highlight EnergIIZE’s commitment to fostering a clean energy future in specific, high-impact sectors of transportation.

Nearly 200 Projects Across the State Have Been Awarded

In April 2021, the CEC awarded an initial amount of $50 million in Clean Transportation Program funding to CALSTART, addressing ZEV needs in California. Since then, nearly 200 projects across California have been awarded, and today, 18 project sites are complete and operational with charging infrastructure using EnergIIZE funding.

Low-Income Communities

60% of EnergIIZE applications are located in disadvantaged and, or, low-income communities; of the awarded projects, 89% met equity criteria and 86% were in disadvantaged or low-income communities.