CALSTART Media Contact: Maverick Williams, [email protected]

Boston, MA—CALSTART is excited to share two new electric vehicle (EV) charging initiatives launched by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to accelerate the electrification of transportation across key sectors. The Vehicle-for-Hire (VFH) Charging Program and the Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Mobile Charging Program are designed to remove infrastructure barriers for rideshare operators, taxi drivers, and fleet owners to transition to zero-emission vehicles.

These programs address critical gaps in EV charging accessibility by expanding the number of fast charging sites available to high-mileage rideshare and taxi drivers and deploying mobile charging solutions for MHD fleets. Through these programs, MassCEC is taking a significant step toward Massachusetts’ climate goals and equitable access to clean transportation.

In response to the announcement of these two MassCEC programs, Rachel Ackerman, Senior Program Director of Clean Transportation at MassCEC, states:

“These two programs address key challenges that will make it easier for rideshare drivers, taxi operators, and fleet owners to switch to electric vehicles. By expanding fast-charging options for high-mileage drivers and deploying mobile charging for medium- and heavy-duty fleets, we are making EV adoption more practical, cost-effective, and accessible. These initiatives are an important step toward reducing emissions and advancing clean transportation in Massachusetts.”

Jordan Stutt, Senior Director of the Northeast Region, and Jon Gordon, Deputy Director of Light Duty Vehicles, at CALSTART state:

“MassCEC’s MHD Mobile Charging Solutions Program is breaking down barriers to fleet electrification,” said Jordan Stutt. “Traditional charging infrastructure might not be available when or where fleets need it most, but that doesn’t have to slow them down. This program will connect those fleets with market-ready mobile charging solutions while developing tools to help other fleets follow their lead.”

“The VFH Charging Program will give Uber, Lyft, and taxi drivers across Massachusetts access to convenient, high-speed charging hubs where they need it most,” said Jon Gordon. “From EV purchase rebates through the Ride Clean Mass Program to fast, reliable charging through the VFH Charging Program, MassCEC is making it easier than ever for high-mileage drivers to go electric, reduce pollution, and drive toward a cleaner transportation future.”

 BACKGROUND:

The VFH Charging Program is designed to help rideshare and taxi drivers, who often lack home charging access, transition to EVs. These high-mileage drivers play a significant role in urban emissions, making their electrification a high-impact strategy for reducing greenhouse gases and improving air quality. Key features include:

• Technical and financial assistance to municipalities and other site owners to install direct current fast chargers and Level 2 chargers at up to 10 sites.
• Focus on locations with high percentages of Environmental Justice Communities to promote equitable access to charging infrastructure.
• Guide to assist future site hosts in assessing the viability of charging station installations for VFH drivers.
• Partners: Better Together Brain Trust, Center for Sustainable Energy, Green Energy Consumers Alliance

The MHD Mobile Charging Program provides semi-permanent, off-grid, and grid-flexible charging solutions to help fleet owners electrify without the need for immediate large-scale investments in infrastructure. Key features include:

• Mobile charging stations that can support fleets in different locations as needed.
• Financial support for selected fleets to obtain MHD EVs with up to $50,000 per vehicle for four vehicles (in addition to other state funding).
• Focus on fleets in Environmental Justice Communities and Gateway Cities.
• Priority for fleets owned or operated by Minority and/or Women Owned Business Enterprises.
• Partners: Better Together Brain Trust, KB-Mac, Industrial Economics

Updates will be posted on the VFH Charging and MHD Mobile Charging websites later this month with additional information on the application process.

CALSTART is proud to lead the consultant teams for both programs and provide the technical assistance and implementation support that is needed to ensure their success.

About CALSTART
A mission-driven industry organization focused on transportation decarbonization and clean air for all, CALSTART has offices in New York, Michigan, Colorado, California, Florida, and Europe. CALSTART is uniquely positioned to build the national clean transportation industry by working closely with its 285 member companies and building on the lessons learned from the major programs it manages for the State of California. CALSTART manages more than $1 billion in vehicle incentive and technical assistance programs in the United States and is leading a global effort to build the zero-emission commercial vehicle market.

About the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy and climatetech sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits, and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. Since 2010, MassCEC has awarded nearly $800 million through programs and investments and attracted over $2.8 billion in private and public funds.