The California Energy Commission has approved a $95.2 million infrastructure plan to expand the state’s network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and hydrogen refuelling hubs. The investment plan targets the build-out of municipal transit infrastructure through to the 2028-2029 fiscal year.

The state funding will procure and install $48 million worth of light-duty EV charging equipment, specifically targeting direct current (DC) fast chargers and residential units. An additional $30.2 million is allocated for medium- and heavy-duty infrastructure at freight hubs, ports, and school bus depots, while $15 million will fund new hydrogen refuelling equipment.

California’s smart transit network currently comprises 216,445 publicly accessible or shared EV charging ports, supplemented by an estimated 800,000 residential units. The state recently surpassed 20,000 active DC fast chargers, which are primarily installed at retail sites, park-and-ride lots, and traditional petrol stations.

The programme mandates that at least 50% of the capital expenditure is directed toward low-income or disadvantaged communities. State officials report that 62% of historical funding has already been deployed in these areas to support the transition to zero-emission transport.

“California is taking the wheel: putting more zero-emission infrastructure on the ground in more communities so every Californian can fuel up and keep moving forward,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.