GFO-24-612 – Depot Charging and Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure for Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty On-Road, Off-Road, and Specialty Vehicles

The California Energy Commission (CEC), through its Clean Transportation Program, has announced a competitive grant funding opportunity (GFO-24-612) to support the deployment of depot charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty on-road, off-road, and specialty vehicles. This initiative, backed by up to $20 million, aligns with the state's broader climate and air quality goals. Funding comes from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and is part of California Climate Investments, an initiative targeting emission reductions and community health improvements, especially in disadvantaged areas. The grant opportunity is structured into two categories. Category A, with $10 million in funding, targets infrastructure serving fleets owned and operated by California public entities such as city or county governments, tribal governments, and special districts. Category B, also with $10 million, supports infrastructure for fleets owned by California state agencies, federal agencies, public colleges or universities, transit agencies, local educational agencies, and private entities. Shared infrastructure projects among multiple entities are encouraged to optimize installation and operational costs. Applicants can request up to $2.5 million for a single fleet or up to $5 million for shared infrastructure in Category A, and up to $5 million for shared infrastructure in Category B. Match funding is required—25 percent for Category A and 50 percent for Category B—with at least 50 percent of the match being cash. Applications must propose new installations and commit to operating the infrastructure for at least six years. Projects must meet stringent technical standards for equipment, data collection, and environmental compliance, and all work must be completed by June 30, 2029. Eligible applicants include public and private entities, California Native American Tribes, and Tribal Organizations serving Tribes, excluding investor-owned utilities. Projects must focus on new electric vehicle (EV) charging or hydrogen refueling infrastructure, with defined minimum port or refueling position requirements. Only one application per applicant is allowed, and projects must include a Letter of Intent to place a purchase order for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Applications are to be submitted via the Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS) between March 28, 2025, and July 11, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. A Pre-Application Workshop is scheduled for April 21, 2025, with a written question deadline on April 28, 2025. Award announcements are expected by the week of September 15, 2025, and approvals will be finalized at the CEC Business Meeting on December 8, 2025. All applications must include several required attachments such as project narratives, budget forms, resumes, CEQA documentation, and letters of commitment. Evaluation is based on team qualifications, project readiness, cost-effectiveness, and benefits to the community and environment. Projects located in disadvantaged and low-income communities will receive priority consideration. Applicants must adhere to prevailing wage requirements and be prepared for audits and inspections post-implementation.