On March 23, 2023, the California Energy Commission (CEC) announced up to $24 million in new grant funding under the Convenient, High-Visibility, Low-Cost Level 2 Charging (CHiLL-2) Program to encourage the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
Convenient, High-Visibility, Low-Cost Level 2 Charging (CHiLL-2)
The competitive grant program is part of the state’s broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the adoption of EVs. Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in California, and promoting the adoption of EVs is a key strategy for reducing those emissions.
In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the CHiLL-2 program also aims to promote equity and accessibility. The program prioritizes funding for EV charging stations installed in underserved and disadvantaged communities, which often lack access to clean transportation options.
According to the CEC, the purpose of the solicitation is to:
- Demonstrate replicable and scalable business and technology models to deploy Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
- Improve public awareness of and confidence in Level 2 charging access through high-density, high-visibility installations.
- Provide Level 2 charging access in disadvantaged and/or low-income communities.
- Provide reliable and readily accessible chargers.
The CHiLL-2 grant program provides funding to install EV chargers in public and private locations such as businesses, multifamily communities, and public parking lots throughout California. By selecting locations that are convenient and highly visible, the state hopes to ease drivers’ “charge anxiety” and concerns about electric vehicle range.
Program Requirements
To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet certain requirements. This includes meeting a minimum number of chargers based on location – larger cities must install a minimum of 300 chargers, smaller cities must install a minimum of 15 chargers per every 10,000 people, and projects located on tribal lands must install a minimum of 50 chargers. Additionally, at least half of the chargers in a project must be installed in disadvantaged and/or low-income communities.
Some additional requirements to consider:
- Chargers must be publicly available at least 18 hours a day
- Locations must be well-lit and safe
- Locations must offer multiple point-of-sale methods
- Chargers must be installed at existing structures
- Projects must use ISO 15118 ready chargers, use EVITP-certified installers, and include an operations and maintenance plan
- Applicants must include a minimum of 25% match share
Applications for the program are due June 16, 2023. The notice of proposed awards is scheduled for August 2023, with projects anticipated to begin in Q4.
Chargie is Here to Help
Interested in taking part in the program but not sure where to start? Our team of experts are available to help. We handle everything from applying to the program and submitting the required paperwork to installing and managing the ongoing maintenance and support of the EV chargers. With Chargie, property owners get a truly turnkey partner, and drivers get simple, intuitive charging. Learn more about our turnkey solution.
The places you park most of the time become the places you can charge at any time. Our 98%+ availability means you’ll return to a fully charged car and our 24/7/365 customer care provides drivers and clients the support they need at every turn.
