California has long been at the forefront of the EV revolution, and now, thanks to the Communities in Charge Program, the state is gearing up to take its EV infrastructure to the next level. Funded by the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program and implemented by CALSTART, with support from GRID Alternatives and Tetra Tech, this initiative is set to accelerate the adoption of light-duty electric vehicles and drive the rapid deployment of Level 2 EV charging stations.
A Program for Transformation
The Communities in Charge Program is designed to do more than just put EVs on the road. It’s a comprehensive effort to transform EV accessibility, catalyze new markets, and swiftly install Level 2 EV charging stations across the state. With scalability built into its DNA, this program is poised to make a significant impact as funding becomes available. Its holistic approach includes transparent participation requirements and technical assistance, ensuring that participants are prepared for success at every stage of the journey, from planning to post-installation.
Who Can Participate?
The program is open to property owners, authorized lessees, or their representatives who are interested in installing Level 2 EV charging stations. All project sites, with some exceptions specified in the Implementation Manual, are eligible. These sites can be private, public, or mixed-use, allowing for flexibility in catering to diverse host sites. However, some fundamental requirements apply to all project sites:
- Premises must be well-lit, secure, and fully compliant with all relevant laws, ordinances, and regulations.
- Level 2 EVSEs accessible to the public must be available for at least 18 hours a day, seven days a week (holidays excluded).
- Level 2 EVSEs must be shared and not exclusively assigned to any individual.
- Certain residential site types are not eligible, such as single-family dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, individual townhomes, and individual mobile homes. However, shared-use Level 2 EVSEs for residents in these housing developments are eligible.
- School bus charging installations are not eligible for incentives.
- Project sites that have already been commissioned are not eligible for incentives.
Technology Eligibility
Incentives are awarded based on the number of eligible Level 2 connectors installed at a project site. These Level 2 EVSEs must meet specific criteria outlined by the California Energy Commission. Key eligibility requirements include:
- Equipment must be new and installed for the first time.
- Equipment must be certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Program (NRTL) and certified to the UL 2954 standard.
- Equipment must have a rating of 6.2kW or greater.
- Equipment must be Energy Star certified.
- Equipment must comply with the SAE J1772 technical standard.
- Equipment must meet Division of Measurement Standards (DMS) California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP) compliance and include a credit card reader for public charging with a fee.
Additionally, future technology requirements will apply, including OCPP 1.6 or later Core & Security certifications and ISO 15118 Hardware Ready certification.
Incentives for a Greener Tomorrow
The Communities in Charge Program offers incentives to support the installation of Level 2 EV charging infrastructure. The incentives, determined by total eligible project costs, include:
- Base Incentive: Up to $3,500 or 75% of eligible costs, whichever is less.
- Additional Incentives: Multi-family housing projects, Tribal government sites, and non-governmental organizations serving Tribal communities can receive an additional $3,500 per eligible connector.
With these incentives, California is making a bold move to empower communities and pave the way for a sustainable, electrified future. Whether you’re a property owner, authorized lessee, or a representative, the Communities in Charge Program is here to support your journey toward a greener, cleaner tomorrow.
Funding Wave 2 Open November 7, 2023 through December 22, 2023 with $38 Million in Available Funding.
