California is putting at least $28 million toward more public EV fast chargers – and it could pick up the entire eligible installation bill.

The state’s Fast Charge California Project opens for applications today, October 7, offering up to $100,000 per charging port. Businesses, nonprofits, public agencies, and eligible California tribes can apply, but the EV fast chargers have to be open to the public.

That gives property owners a way to add fast charging with a lot less upfront expense, while giving EV drivers more places to plug in.

The California Energy Commission funds the project through the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP), its statewide EV charging incentive program. The Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) handles the program for the commission.

The size of the incentive depends on how much power each port can deliver. Ports with a guaranteed output of 150 kW to just under 275 kW qualify for up to $55,000. Ports delivering at least 275 kW qualify for up to $100,000.

Those dollars can cover up to 100% of approved costs, including the chargers, installation, planning, and engineering. The per-port caps still apply, so a more expensive project won’t necessarily get its whole bill paid.

The funding is for projects that are ready to build. That means applicants already have a final utility service design, or a letter from the utility confirming that no new or upgraded service is needed, and permits in place.

“We’ve learned through CALeVIP that the fastest way to get chargers in the ground is to fund projects that are truly ready to build,” said Scott Shepard, CSE’s senior director of transportation programs.

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