Federal funding to help California expand EV charging network
(KYMA, KECY) - California has the green light to use federal infrastructure funding to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Following the recent federal approval of a joint plan by Caltrans and California Energy Commission, the stations will be along the state's interstates and highways.
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program
According to a press release, the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation's signoff on the California Deployment Plan for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program makes an initial $56 million in funding available to install charging stations throughout the state.
Furthermore, California expects to receive a total of $384 million for the program for the next five years.
“Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s approval of California’s NEVI plan, we can start putting historic levels of federal infrastructure funding to work to close gaps in our state highway system’s evolving EV charging network and improve availability and reliability for low-income and rural residents,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin.
“Coupled with unprecedented levels of state investments in zero-emission vehicles, this funding will help supercharge California’s nation-leading efforts to drastically cut climate-changing pollution from the transportation sector.”
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA)
In addition, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) will add efforts to complete a 6,600-mile statewide charging network.
What's more, the IIJA will deploy 1.2 million chargers by 2030 to meet the anticipated charging needs of the state's EV fleet.
" With this unprecedented federal investment, California can advance our vision of a unified network of charging stations along the state’s busiest corridors,” said California Energy Commission Commissioner Patty Monahan.
“This new network will increase charging access, particularly in the rural areas of our state, and help EV drivers charge up on long trips.”
More on the NEVI plan
Additionally, the state's NEVI plan focuses on construction of charging stations throughout California's road system.
These charging stations will:
- Increase availability of charging options
- Improve reliability of the charging network
- Remove barriers to accessing EVs
Also, NEVI will support upgrade to existing infrastructure, charging stations’ operation and maintenance costs, community and stakeholder engagement, workforce development, and related mapping and signage.
Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV)
Moreover, California surpassed one million zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) sold in 2021 and leads the country in all ZEV market metrics including:
- The highest level of public funding
- The largest EV market share percentage
- The most extensive public charging infrastructure
Equally importantly, the state's successful programs has led to ZEVs becoming a top export and spurred major advancements in manufacturing and job creation.
