California has opened a new funding round offering at least $28 million in incentives for publicly accessible DC fast-charging infrastructure, with eligible applicants able to receive up to $100,000 per charging port.

The funding is available through the California Energy Commission's Fast Charge California Project, part of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP). Businesses, nonprofits, public agencies and property owners can apply for incentives covering up to 100% of eligible project costs.

Applications opened Oct. 7, 2026, and will be accepted through Jan. 14, 2027. After the application period closes, funding will be reserved in the order eligible applications were received.

Funding Prioritizes Ready-to-Build Charging Projects

To qualify, projects must be ready for construction, including having an issued permit and a final utility service design.

The program also prioritizes charging projects in disadvantaged, low-income and tribal communities.

“California needs reliable fast charging in communities across the state to support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road,” said Spencer Reeder, director of the California Energy Commission's Fuels and Transportation Division. “This next round of Fast Charge California Project funding will help move ready-to-build projects forward, expand access to public charging and put state investments to work in communities that have historically had fewer charging options.”

Eligible charging locations may include businesses, public facilities, high-traffic destinations and sites along major travel routes. Charging stations must be publicly accessible and meet the program's requirements.

For businesses and fleet operators considering public charging installations, the program's permitting and utility requirements underscore the importance of completing site planning before applying for funding.

“We've learned through CALeVIP that successful charging projects start with thoughtful site planning and early coordination,” said Scott Shepard, senior director of transportation programs at the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), which administers CALeVIP for the Energy Commission.

“Incentives can help move viable projects forward, while early permitting and utility coordination reduce delays and help ensure investments deliver meaningful public and environmental benefits.”

Previous Funding Round Supported More Than 1,200 Charging Ports

The new application period follows the program's spring 2026 funding round, which awarded $56.9 million in charging incentives.

According to the California Energy Commission, that funding supported more than 1,266 ready-to-build fast-charging ports across all 58 California counties.

More than 67% of the funded chargers were installed or planned in disadvantaged, low-income and tribal communities.

Another application window is scheduled for Feb. 24 through May 27, 2027, offering up to $55,000 per port for eligible ready-to-build fast chargers.

Since launching in 2017, CALeVIP has supported 10,200 charger installations across California, according to the program. The state has more than 2.2 million light-duty EVs.

Resources for Charging Site Selection

CALeVIP also offers an interactive EV Charging Opportunity Finder that combines information on existing charging locations, local EV registrations and community characteristics.

The tool is intended to help applicants identify locations where additional fast-charging infrastructure may be needed.

Funding for CALeVIP comes from the California Energy Commission's Clean Transportation Program and the state's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

Additional eligibility information and application details are available at calevip.org, while the charging site planning tool can be accessed at calevip.org/chargefinder.