CA Opens $55M Incentive Program to Expand Public EV Fast Charging

As the rest of the United States is stuck with the disastrous backward movement of the federal government in regards to EVs and EV charging, the forward-thinking, smart leaders of the great state of California are thankfully moving forward.

The U.S. as a whole has fallen far behind China, in EV sales and the number of charging stations. Guangdong Province, which is China’s equivalent of California as China’s economic engine, alone has more EV chargers than the whole United States.

On August 5, 2025, The California Energy Commission (CEC) announced the launch of the Fast Charge California Project. This impressive program provides a $55 million incentive, offering up to 100% of the installation costs for electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers at businesses and public sites across the state. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 29, 2025.

Part of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP), the largest EV charging incentive initiative in the U.S., this new statewide program offers up to 100% of eligible installation costs for direct current fast chargers at qualifying public and business locations.

Since 2017, CALeVIP has helped install nearly 10,000 EV chargers statewide, playing a critical role in supporting California’s transition to electric mobility. With over 2.2 million light-duty EVs already on the road, the need for accessible and widespread fast charging infrastructure is greater than ever.

Prioritizing Equity and Readiness

To ensure that all Californians benefit from the EV transition, Fast Charge California puts a strong focus on equity. Projects located in tribal areas, disadvantaged communities, and low-income communities will be given top priority. These regions have historically lacked access to charging infrastructure and face the greatest barriers to clean transportation.

“This is the biggest CALeVIP project ever. It’s the first to be statewide. And, it’s the first to cover up to 100% of eligible costs,” said Hannon Rasool, director of the CEC’s Fuels and Transportation Division. “Installing more fast chargers is vital to California’s zero-emission vehicle transition, and the Fast Charge California Project prioritizes ready-to-build fast charging projects, with eligible projects in disadvantaged communities going to the top of the list.”

Eligible installation sites include high-traffic, publicly accessible locations such as gas stations and convenience stores, retail shopping centers, parking lots and garages, and other commercial sites that serve the public.

To qualify for funding, proposed projects must be shovel-ready, meaning all required permits must be in place and a final utility service design must be completed before applying.

Funding Breakdown

The Fast Charge California Project offers substantial support per charging port, with different incentive levels based on charging power:

$55,000 per port for chargers delivering 150 to 274.99 kilowatts (kW)

$100,000 per port for chargers delivering 275 kW or more

Total funding per site can cover up to 100% of eligible costs, capped at $100,000 per port

This level of financial support significantly lowers the barrier for businesses and property owners to install fast chargers, which are typically more expensive and complicated to deploy than slower charging options.

“State-funded incentives are essential for the rapid and equitable expansion of California’s electric vehicle charging network,” said Evan Wright, director of EV infrastructure and operations at the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), which administers the program. “This program is designed to get fast chargers in the ground… fast.”

Backed by Climate Investments

Funding for the Fast Charge California Project is provided through the CEC’s Clean Transportation Program, as well as the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which reinvests proceeds from California’s cap-and-trade program into programs that reduce emissions and support environmental justice.

Together, these investments aim to support Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order that all new passenger vehicles sold in California be zero-emission by 2035, a goal that requires not just vehicle availability, but a reliable and equitable charging network statewide.

How to Apply

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and submit their proposals through the Fast Charge California Project webpage before the October 29 deadline. Detailed application instructions, technical requirements, and site selection guidance are all available on the site.

EVinfo.net’s Take

Once again, EVinfo.net takes great pride in being based in California. California boasts the largest state economy in the United States, ranking as the fifth largest globally. Its GDP was approximately $3.9 trillion in 2023, representing about 14% of the national GDP.

Part of this growth is smart decisions by California leaders, for example supporting the vitally important EV transition. Every federal mistake in regards to EVs and EV charging puts us farther behind China, makes global human-caused climate change worse, drags down our economy, loses jobs, and raises costs for drivers while creating more unhealthy smog for residents.

EVs are not only the most eco-friendly transportation, but also the most cost-effective over time.