The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved a USD1.9bn investment plan to scale up the state’s electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure, as reported by ESG Today on February 19. Under the plan, the state will allocate more than USD1bn for zero-emission battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell truck and bus infrastructure, over USD650m for light-duty EV charging infrastructure, USD130m for zero-emission port infrastructure, USD46m for emerging opportunities, and USD5m for zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) workforce development. The proceeds will add 40,000 new charging stations statewide, advancing the state’s goal of having 250,000 public chargers in the next few years.

California has long been a pioneer in promoting EVs and self-driving technologies. In 2023, battery-electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fuel-cell vehicles collectively accounted for 35.4% of the state’s new car sales in 2023, compared to the 7.4% penetration of battery-powered cars in the overall US auto market. The USD1.9bn investment was intended to help California build the most extensive charging and hydrogen refueling network across the country. Furthermore, it forms part of the USD48bn California Climate Commitment, which pledged more than USD10bn of investments in ZEVs and ZEV infrastructure. Notably, the CEC stated that the majority of the investment will benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities by improving their accessibility to chargers and reduce pollution from trucks and buses.

Sources:

https://www.esgtoday.com/california-approves-1-9-billion-investment-in-clean-transportation-infrastructure/

https://www.energy.ca.gov/news/2024-02/cec-approves-19-billion-plan-expand-zero-emission-transportation-infrastructure

https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/california-says-electric-cars-now-make-up-a-fifth-of-auto-sales-1.1992696