CALSTART Media Contact:  Jennifer Smith,  jsmith@calstart.org

PASADENA, CA—Today, the Communities in Charge Project, funded by the California Energy Commission Clean Transportation Program, and part of California Climate Investments, announces the opening of its funding lane exclusively for multi-family housing and nearby sites available for tenant charging. California applicants ready to install Level 2 EV chargers at these project sites are encouraged to apply for up to $56.5 million in state funds beginning now at 9 a.m. Pacific Time through January 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Starting in October, incentives will also be available for applicants interested in installing publicly accessible Level 1 chargers. 

“This funding wave marks a critical step in making electric vehicle charging accessible to more Californians, no matter the type of housing,” said Stacey Simms, Senior Director of Clean Fuels and Infrastructure, CALSTART. “With funding provided by the California Energy Commission, we’re addressing one of the biggest and most urgent equity gaps in clean transportation: multi-family housing. By dedicating funding to this housing sector, we’re ensuring that infrastructure barriers are broken down so that multi-family housing residents can go electric at home.” 

This opportunity is designed to meet the growing demands for chargers in multi-family housing and adjacent sites; other project sites will not be considered for awards at this time.  

The Project will prioritize Ready-to-Go applicants utilizing an equity-based scoring rubric found in the Implementation Manual which elevates Community Connections, Disadvantaged, Low-Income, and Tribal Communities. Applicants may be eligible to receive up to $8,500 per eligible Level 2 charging port and $2,000 for Level 1 charging, with plus ups available for chargers serving Tribal sites. 

Applications will be submitted through the Incentive Processing Center and reviewed on a rolling basis. The Eligibility Requirements and additional resources should be reviewed prior to submitting applications. 

Awardees from Readiness Tier 1, the highest level of project readiness, will receive a “Notice of Final Award.” Readiness Tier 2 awardees will receive a “Notice of Conditional Award” and will be asked to send additional documentation within 90 days to receive their “Notice of Final Award” and be eligible for incentives. 

Project Background 

Communities in Charge is California’s market-accelerating, light-duty electric vehicle (EV) charging incentive project funded by the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program, implemented by CALSTART, and supported in partnership with GRID Alternatives and Tetra Tech. The project is designed to transform EV accessibility, rapidly catalyze new markets, and swiftly deploy EV charging stations. 

For more information on the Communities in Charge project, visit the website now or email the team with any questions at  communitiesincharge@calstart.org. 

About California Energy Commission 

The California Energy Commission is leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future for all. As the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency, the Energy Commission is committed to reducing energy costs and environmental impacts of energy use while ensuring a safe, resilient, and reliable supply of energy. 

About California Climate Investments 

The California Energy Commission’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.   

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 more than 220 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.