Fast and Available Charging for All Californians

The grant "FAST 2.0 - Fast and Available Charging for All Californians," funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC) under the Clean Transportation Program, aims to deploy fast electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure accessible to the public. The program is allocated up to $10 million in total funding and seeks to support California's transition to zero-emission transportation. It is rooted in legislative actions such as Assembly Bill (AB) 118 and AB 126, which focus on alternative and renewable fuels, advanced transportation technologies, and zero-emission vehicles. The funding is part of California Climate Investments, leveraging Cap-and-Trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing public health and promoting economic development. The grant provides up to 50% of project costs or $5 million per project, whichever is lower, with a mandatory 50% match funding requirement. Eligible projects must deploy at least ten direct current fast charger (DCFC) ports per site, ensure chargers supply a minimum of 150 kW, and support SAE J1772 and NACS connectors. Projects must also adhere to accessibility and environmental standards, including ADA compliance and installation within existing structures without significant expansion. Additional points are awarded for projects serving disadvantaged or low-income communities, where at least 50% of the ports are located. Applicants may include public and private entities with a business presence in California, except investor-owned utilities. Applications must demonstrate site readiness, including secured site access, clear mitigation of potential barriers, and partnerships with stakeholders. Projects should also integrate innovative features such as renewable energy resources, battery storage, or load management systems to maximize utility and minimize grid impact. All proposals must comply with AB 2061's equipment and reliability standards, requiring networked chargers with advanced capabilities such as remote updates and compliance with OCPP 2.0.1 standards. Submission requirements mandate detailed documentation, including a project narrative, budget forms, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance information. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS) by March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Pre-application workshops and technical support are available to guide applicants. Evaluation criteria encompass project readiness, cost-effectiveness, team qualifications, and potential community benefits, with a minimum passing score of 70% and additional bonus points for installations in priority populations. The anticipated timeline includes workshops in January 2025, application reviews in Q2, and project approvals by Q3 2025. Funded projects must complete work by June 2030 to meet state fiscal deadlines. For further questions or submission support, applicants are directed to contact the Commission Agreement Officer via the provided email address.