Distributed Energy Resources, GHG Emissions  -  November 23, 2022

California Funds $3.6 Billion for Zero-Emission Vehicles and Chargers

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) yesterday approved a $2.6 billion investment plan to support a wide range of ZEV projects, with 70% of the funds directed to disadvantaged and low-income communities – the state’s largest-ever investment in the equitable expansion of clean transportation.

The plan includes $2.2 billion for clean trucks and busses and off-road equipment, $381 million for clean transportation equity projects, and $60 million for cleaner commercial harbor craft.

Additionally, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted a $1 billion transportation electrification program to fund ZEV charging infrastructure, with additional incentives for projects in hard-to-reach communities. The program provides a unified policy-driven funding structure for utility transportation electrification efforts statewide through 2030, and prioritizes investments in charging infrastructure for low-income, tribal and underserved utility customers.

The program will direct 70% of funding to charging for medium-and heavy-duty vehicles, which are responsible for a disproportionate share of air pollutants from the transportation sector, and will offer rebates for customer-side electric vehicle infrastructure investments.

“California is leading the world in the zero-emission vehicle revolution while taking action to ensure that those most burdened by air pollution share in the benefits,” said Governor Newsom, in a statement. “These bold investments to provide cost-saving incentives and expand access to ZEV charging infrastructure in all our communities bring us that much closer to making our clean transportation future a reality in California.” 

These investments are funded in part a $10 billion ZEV package advanced by Governor Newsom and the Legislature as a key component of the multi-year $54 billion California Climate Commitment