California - National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Grant Program

Summary

Note: The Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) created the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Grant Program with a total budget of $5 billion. Each state was allocated a share of that total to help build out a national network of electric vehicle charging stations along designated alternative fuel corridors (AFCs). With some limited exceptions, EV charging stations funded through the NEVI program should be spaced 50 miles apart and within one mile of the Interstate exit or highway.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is the designated lead agency for NEVI, and is partnering with the California Energy Commission (CEC). California's initial NEVI Plan was submitted to the federal Joint Office of Energy and Transportation on August 1, 2022, and its 2023 Update was submitted on August 1, 2023. 

California plans to use the estimated $134 million in formula funding from the first two years to provide connectivity for passenger vehicles in a manner that is complimentary to existing investments from the state. In future annual deployment plans, California will reassess proposed uses of NEVI funds, including infrastructure that primarily serves light or medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, within the requirements of the NEVI program and in the context of California’s overall funding and deployment strategy.

The CEC released the first solicitation in late-October 2023, and accepted applications through January 26, 2024. The top-six corridor groups are eligible during the first solicitation, with a total of $40,500,000 divided between the corridor groups.