Rural Electric Vehicle Charging 2.0

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has released a competitive grant funding opportunity under its Clean Transportation Program titled “Rural Electric Vehicle Charging 2.0 (REV 2.0),” Solicitation GFO-24-608. The solicitation opens on February 21, 2025, and makes available up to $10,000,000 to fund projects aimed at installing public light-duty electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in rural communities throughout California. The initiative seeks to promote reliable and convenient EV charging access in rural and underserved areas, support EV adoption, and demonstrate scalable and replicable technology and business models. The REV 2.0 solicitation is rooted in statutory authority established by Assembly Bill (AB) 118 and reauthorized through AB 126, with the overarching goal of supporting California’s zero-emission transportation objectives. The program prioritizes service to disadvantaged and low-income communities, as well as to California Native American Tribes and organizations serving them. Applicants are required to submit competitive proposals demonstrating innovative infrastructure deployment strategies, compliance with technical and siting requirements, and strong cost-effectiveness. Key goals include reducing emissions, supporting equitable access, and promoting long-term operations and maintenance sustainability. Applicants may request up to 80% of total project costs, or a maximum of $4,000,000, whichever is lower. All projects must include a minimum of 50 charging ports or 900 kW total charging output. At least 50 percent of a project's charging ports or output must be installed in disadvantaged or low-income communities. Projects must occur at existing facilities and be publicly accessible at least 18 hours per day. Charger types can include Level 2, Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC), and non-grid-connected chargers, with technical requirements outlined in detail. EVITP-certified electricians and certified EVSE devices are mandated under relevant state laws. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public and private entities, including community-based organizations, non-profit organizations, electric vehicle service providers, tribal entities, and local governments. Investor-owned utilities are ineligible. A minimum 20 percent match is required for all projects, and of that match, at least 50 percent must be in the form of cash. Match funding must be clearly documented with commitment letters. Applications must be submitted online through the Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS) by 11:59 PM on May 23, 2025. A pre-application workshop will be held on March 12, 2025, via Zoom, and written questions are due by March 28, 2025. Awards will be announced in the third quarter of 2025, with agreements approved in the fourth quarter. Projects must be completed by January 31, 2031, to allow for final invoicing and fund liquidation. Applicants will be scored based on implementation, benefits to rural communities, cost effectiveness, innovation, and readiness, with a minimum passing score of 70 out of 100 points. For questions regarding the solicitation, contact Natalie Johnson, Commission Agreement Officer, at natalie.johnson@energy.ca.gov. Technical support for the ECAMS submission platform is available at ECAMS.SalesforceSupport@energy.ca.gov.