GFO-24-611 – Implementation of Medium- and Heavy Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Blueprints 2.0

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency, committed to leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future. It funds innovative energy projects, policies, and programs that support energy innovation, advance state climate and energy goals, and ensure environmental and economic benefits across all communities. This particular funding opportunity is part of CEC’s commitment to decarbonizing California’s transportation sector through investments in medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure. The purpose of the solicitation GFO-24-611 is to fund the development of medium- and heavy-duty (MDHD) zero-emission vehicle infrastructure projects along key freight corridors in California. This initiative is aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from the freight sector, supporting both the state’s climate objectives and environmental justice goals. Projects funded under this opportunity must demonstrate an ability to accelerate deployment of electric vehicle charging or hydrogen refueling infrastructure for MDHD vehicles. Eligible applicants include both public and private entities, such as local governments, transit agencies, tribal organizations, non-profit and for-profit corporations, and academic institutions. All applicants must either be based in California or demonstrate that the project will be implemented within California. In addition, they must be registered in the state’s Financial Assistance System (FAAST) and meet specific eligibility criteria as laid out in the manual. The funding structure includes two categories of projects. Category A supports battery electric charging infrastructure, while Category B supports hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Applicants must provide at least 50 percent match funding of the total project cost, and cost-sharing is mandatory for all proposals. The minimum award amount is $3 million, and the maximum award amount is $30 million. Approximately $160 million is available for this funding opportunity, and the CEC anticipates awarding 6 to 15 grants. Applications must be submitted electronically via the CEC’s Grant Solicitation System. The application includes multiple required forms and narrative responses, including project description, scope, team qualifications, technical approach, benefits to disadvantaged communities, and budget justification. The scoring criteria are based on technical merit, project readiness, team qualifications, community benefits, cost-effectiveness, and matching funds. The application opened on March 15, 2024, and the final deadline for submission is June 14, 2024, by 11:59 PM. A pre-application workshop was scheduled for March 28, 2024, and written questions were due by April 5, 2024. Responses to those questions were scheduled to be posted by April 19, 2024. The anticipated award notification is expected in October 2024, and project start dates are projected for January 2025. For further assistance, applicants can contact the CEC at the designated solicitation email address: [email protected].