California’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program

The California National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program – Solicitation 2, offered by the California Energy Commission (CEC), allocates up to $107 million to support the deployment of publicly accessible, high-powered direct current (DC) fast charging stations along major state highway corridors. This grant program aligns with the federal NEVI Formula Program’s goal of creating a robust national EV charging network, facilitating long-distance EV travel, and accelerating the transition to clean transportation. The solicitation opened on December 19, 2024, with a submission deadline of March 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Applicants must use the Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS) portal to submit proposals. Prospective applicants are required to create or use an existing user account on the platform. Detailed application instructions, including user registration guidance, are available. Any questions about the solicitation must be submitted by January 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Projects funded through this solicitation are expected to meet NEVI requirements by deploying high-powered DC fast chargers that are strategically located to support EV travel along designated corridors. These chargers must comply with federal standards for performance, reliability, and accessibility to ensure they meet the needs of EV users and contribute effectively to the broader national charging infrastructure. Eligible applicants include organizations with experience in EV infrastructure development and operations. Proposals will be evaluated competitively based on their alignment with program goals, technical feasibility, and ability to deliver projects within prescribed timelines and standards. Detailed evaluation criteria, eligibility requirements, and project specifications are provided in the solicitation materials. This program represents a significant investment in California's efforts to advance clean transportation and support its climate goals. By enabling the expansion of reliable and efficient EV charging networks, the grant aims to reduce range anxiety, improve public confidence in EVs, and foster adoption statewide. Interested parties are encouraged to review all solicitation documents thoroughly and contact the program through the ECAMS portal for further assistance.