California Launched $28 Million EV Charger Incentive

Owners and developers can apply for funding to cover up to 100% of costs for new, publicly accessible fast charging ports.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

California Launched $28 Million EV Charger Incentive

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Do you support using state funds to cover the costs of installing electric vehicle fast chargers?

The California Energy Commission has opened a new application period for $28 million in electric vehicle fast charger incentives. This funding aims to expand charging access across the state for the more than 2.2 million light-duty electric vehicles currently on the road.

Why it matters

As the state's electric vehicle population grows, this program targets infrastructure gaps by prioritizing installations in low-income, disadvantaged, and tribal communities. The funding seeks to ensure that charging accessibility keeps pace with the increasing number of drivers.

Applicants may receive up to $100,000 per charging port to cover 100% of eligible costs. This follows a spring 2026 round that supported 1,266 ports, part of 10,200 total installations the state has backed since 2017.

The players

California Energy Commission

The state's primary energy policy and planning agency responsible for overseeing infrastructure incentives and building standards.

The details

To qualify for the current incentive, projects must already possess an issued permit and a final utility service design. The California Energy Commission reserves funds in the order that eligible applications are received once the period concludes. Potential sites are identified using the Energy Charging Opportunity Finder, a tool that analyzes existing charger proximity, regional electric vehicle registrations, and specific community characteristics.

2017: The California Energy Vehicle Infrastructure Project launched.
Spring 2026: The previous funding round awarded $56.9 million.
October 7, 2026: The current application window opened.
January 14, 2027: The application window closes.
February 24, 2027: The next application period begins.

The Home Front

This program marks the latest phase of the California Energy Vehicle Infrastructure Project, which has supported over 10,000 charger installations. It reflects a broader state shift toward hardening electrical grid capacity to match the rapid adoption of electric vehicles.

If you are a property owner or business manager looking to install fast charging, verify your project requirements including the necessary permits and final utility service designs. Applications for the current $100,000 per-port incentive must be submitted by January 14, 2027.

The takeaway

Expanding public fast-charging infrastructure remains a state priority to support the 2.2 million electric vehicles currently registered in California. Potential applicants should prepare their permit documentation early to ensure their project is ready for the January 14, 2027, deadline.

What happens next

A secondary application window for further charger incentives is scheduled to open on February 24, 2027, with a maximum award of $55,000 per charging port.