California’s Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator (EVC RAA) Program

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is offering up to $59.5 million through the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator (EVC RAA) Program, which aims to repair, replace, and add electric vehicle (EV) charging ports across California. This funding initiative targets non-operational public chargers on the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) list and aligns with federal NEVI standards. The program aims to fund at least 1,302 charging ports, with at least 40% located within federally designated disadvantaged communities under the Justice40 Initiative. Eligibility: Eligible applicants include Electric Vehicle Service Providers, installation and maintenance contractors, and qualifying public entities (e.g., local governments and public educational institutions) in California. Ineligible applicants include investor-owned utilities. Each applicant may submit only one application, which can encompass multiple charging stations. Projects must involve repairs or replacements of listed non-operational chargers and meet NEVI standards. Funding Details: Award caps depend on charging station type. For example, Level 2 ports can receive up to $6,250 per port, while Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports on Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC) can receive up to $140,000 per port. Projects must include a match share, with required percentages varying based on the project’s details. Timeline and Application: Pre-Application Workshop: November 12, 2024 Application Deadline: January 9, 2025, by 11:59 PM PT Awards Notice: Expected by March 2025 Project Completion: Projects must be operational within 12 months of FHWA approval. Requirements: Projects must maintain a 97% uptime over five years and comply with accessibility, cybersecurity, and “Build America, Buy America” standards. CEC provides application guidance via the Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS) and holds workshops and support sessions to assist applicants.