California is seriously investing in reliable electric vehicle charging stations
“We need to build more chargers and help ensure consumers have a better charging experience.” California is investing in reliable electric vehicle charging stations, with the state investing an unmatched level of funding. Currently, there are 105,000 public and shared private chargers installed statewide and are expected to grow to 250,000 over the next several years. The California Energy Commission is developing first-in-the-world state regulations for charger reliability and reporting standards, which would require new publicly funded public chargers to meet a 97% performance requirement and report on performance. The commission plans to make the information public and rank major charging companies, increasing transparency and helping consumers make informed choices. Additionally, state investments in EV charging for passenger vehicles have increased from $33 million in 2019 to more than $600 million over four years.
Published : 2 months ago by in Auto
California is dedicating an unmatched level of funding to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles. No other state comes close to our investments to expand the electric vehicle (EV) charging network. Today, there are 105,000 public and shared private chargers installed statewide (expected to grow to 250,000 chargers over the next several years).
EV drivers largely rave about superior performance, easy home charging and savings on fuel and maintenance. But when it comes to seeking a charge on the go, we recognize the challenges they face. As EVs continue to go mainstream, the California Energy Commission is committed to holding charging companies accountable.
When the state began investing in EV charging, it was a nascent industry competing against entrenched oil interests. Early investments have been essential to move the automotive industry away from burning fossil fuels to zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure. As the industry has matured, we’ve all learned more about what is working and where we need to improve. And one area that needs improvement is charging station reliability.
In 2021, when zero-emission vehicles surpassed 10% of new car sales, the state’s Energy Commission began requiring a 97% performance requirement for EV charging grants. Today, one in four vehicles sold is zero-emission (California has about 40% of the nation’s zero-emission vehicles).
Now, the California Energy Commission is developing first-in-the-world state regulations for charger reliability and reporting standards. Last September, the commission published draft rules that would require all new state or ratepayer-funded public and shared private chargers to report charger performance. This reporting is vital to understanding the true performance of California’s public charging network and for evaluating the causes of unreliable chargers.
In response to feedback and new legislation, the Energy Commission is preparing a revised proposal with more stringent requirements. New regulations would require all new publicly funded public chargers to meet a 97% performance requirement and require all publicly funded chargers to report on performance.
The commission plans to make the information public and rank the performance of major charging companies, increasing transparency and helping consumers make more informed choices.
We are also working with UC Davis to evaluate the prevalence and causes of poor charger reliability through field testing.
Aside from making the EV charging network better, the state is also making it bigger. Under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s leadership, state investments in EV charging for passenger vehicles increased from $33 million in 2019 to more than $600 million over the next four years. In September, the governor strengthened the state’s commitment even further by signing a bill to provide a dedicated source of funding for the EV charging network through 2035. The funds will be distributed to projects through competitive grants (which are subject to the 97% performance requirement).
Permitting also remains a challenge for the charging network. To accelerate new projects, the legislature passed two laws requiring that all California cities and counties develop an expedited, streamlined permitting process for EV charging stations.
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development is working with cities and counties to support implementation of the law and provide direct assistance when project challenges arise. Today, 315 jurisdictions have streamlined EV charging permitting process, with another 96 in progress.
Moving to a zero-emission transportation system and away from fossil fuels will cut harmful air pollution. To reach our goals, we need to build more chargers and help ensure consumers have a better charging experience. We’re doing our part, and charging companies need to do their part, too.
Topics: Green Energy, Electric Vehicles, ESG