The California Energy Commission (CEC) is offering a competitive grant opportunity under the Clean Transportation Program, designated as GFO-24-602, or "CRITICAL PATHS 2.0." This grant provides up to $30 million for projects aimed at establishing medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure along specific highway corridors in California. The purpose of the grant is to support the development of publicly accessible ZEV infrastructure to help transition the state’s transportation sector to clean energy, with a focus on serving disadvantaged and low-income communities identified as priority populations.
Eligible projects must involve the design, construction, and operation of ZEV charging or hydrogen refueling stations that cater to medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The infrastructure should be strategically located along designated corridors to improve access to clean fueling options for freight and transportation services operating within or traveling through priority areas. Applicants must demonstrate how their project will contribute to achieving California’s broader climate and environmental equity goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the state’s ZEV deployment targets.
The grant submission deadline is January 15, 2025, by 11:59 pm, with a question submission deadline of November 6, 2024. Applicants are required to submit their proposals through the new Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS) portal, and will need to create or use an existing user account in order to access the system. Detailed user registration instructions and guidance on submitting applications are available for applicants.
The grant evaluation will prioritize projects that maximize benefits to priority populations and support broader state transportation and climate objectives. Eligible applicants include public and private entities that can demonstrate the ability to develop and operate the necessary infrastructure and meet all program requirements.
