$6 Million For Electric Vehicle Infrastructure In California

November 13th, 2013 by Zachary Shahan

California is already an electric vehicle leader, but it is looking to become much more of one. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has put out a $6-million competitive grant solicitation aimed at jacking up EV infrastructure in the Golden State. Green Car Congress has more details:

Destination Charging: This category is for destinations that may attract people to travel “medium-to-long” distances from their home and where the vehicle would tend to be parked for more than one hour. Urban sites that fit into this category include airports, metropolitan centers, and transit areas. Other destinations include lakes, beaches, amusement parks, and other sites that encourage people outside of the surrounding area to visit.
Corridor Charging: Corridor charging gives existing and prospective electric vehicle owners the assurance that they can charge when driving long distances along a freeway or highway. These chargers should also be able to support the needs of local electric vehicle owners. Examples include charging locations that would allow drivers of electric vehicles to more rapidly travel between San Diego and the Los Angeles area, the Los Angeles area and the San Francisco Bay Area, the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, Sacramento and Fresno, etc.
Workplace Charging: Workplace charging may provide an alternative to residential charging for consumers that may not have residential charging available. Additionally, workplace charging may allow for more vehicle miles to be traveled using electricity. For purpose of this solicitation, workplaces must be located within a 50-mile concentric ring from an urban area.
Multi-Unit Dwellings: Multi-unit dwellings (MUDs) include a broad range of building complexes, from condominiums to high-rise apartments. MUDs may have parking associated with each unit, or parking only available through commercial lots in close proximity to the complex. This solicitation will fund MUD electric vehicle charging case studies and demonstration projects.

There’s no denying that increased EV infrastructure will increase the sale and use of electric vehicles. Even for those who don’t need the infrastructure — who always charge at existing home or work — the growing presence of EV chargers will help to increase visibility and the sense that electric vehicles are getting popular and “you should jump in.”

But the portion of this $6 million EV infrastructure grant that most excites me is the multi-unit dwelling part. I think there is a critical need for EV chargers at multi-unit dwellings. Home charging is generally the most convenient, and as long is it takes awhile for EVs to charge, it’s important to have chargers at the location in which people spend the most time — home. I have seen multiple people living in MUDs say that they would like to get an electric car but they don’t have the possibility to charge at home. This is a big market, and one that actually needs the special infrastructure.

Overall, it’s wonderful to see California working continuously to improve its plug-in electric car market.

Also highly recommended: California Enacts Six New Laws Encouraging EV Ownership

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Tags: California, california electric vehicles, california evs

About the Author

Zachary Shahan spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as the director/chief editor. Otherwise, he's probably enthusiastically fulfilling his duties as the director/editor of Solar Love, EV Obsession, Planetsave, or Bikocity. Zach is recognized globally as a solar energy, electric car, and wind energy expert. If you would like him to speak at a related conference or event, connect with him via social media. You can connect with Zach on any popular social networking site you like. Links to all of his main social media profiles are on ZacharyShahan.com.

Dennis Miles

Just another short sighted bureaucratic pile of california compost, a very potent variety.
There is more than only one infrastructure required for EV adoption. Yes there is Charging or Fuel. But, there is also Sales and Service. The manufacturers are supporting well the sales aspect. But, SERVICE is being ignored!
Currently only one or two mechanics at each dealership ere being trained to disconnect the high voltage battery, rendering the vehicle safe to work on by other mechanics. But most independent shops have no access or limited access to training for their mechanics. Training can allow service or repair from independent (Non Dealership Owned) service and repair centers. This needs to change but it will take ten years for the public and established education centers to offer the high voltage electrical training every shop needs. They need textbooks and experienced educators who do not exist at this time except for a few of us. see my site at for more about my intent to cure this problem and lead the nation to better service availability NOW.