Last year the California Energy Commission (CEC) announced that it would be launching a new $30 million dollar program through their Clean Transportation Initiative, Communities in Charge.
Communities in Charge is a market-accelerating, light-duty electric vehicle (LDEV) infrastructure incentive project implemented by CALSTART and supported in partnership with GRID Alternatives and Tetra Tech. This program is designed to expand Level 2 charging infrastructure statewide with intentional outreach, engagement, and technical assistance helping make EV charging accessible to communities.
What is Level 2 Charging?
Level 2 EV chargers are most commonly found in locations of longer dwell times, like multifamily communities and office buildings. Drivers using a Level 2 EV charging station can typically expect to return to a fully charged car after a couple hours. Learn more about the differences in charger types here.
Which properties are eligible for the Communities in Charge Incentive Program?
The Communities in Charge program is open to a wide variety of property types including multifamily, commercial, school, healthcare, local government, non-profit, congressional, and tribal properties. The program aims to incentivize “Ready to Go” projects while also prioritizing projects in Disadvantaged and Low-Income Communities. Reach out to a program expert to assess your property’s eligibility.
At minimum, projects must adhere to the following:
- Premises must be well-lit, secure, and in compliance with all US federal, California state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, codes, standards, and regulations.
- Any Level 2 EVSEs made accessible to the general public must be available at least 18 hours a day, seven days a week, excluding holidays. (Project sites for businesses and organizations that provide charging primarily for their workers and multi-family housing sites are exempt from this requirement).
- All Level 2 EVSEs must be shared and may not be assigned or otherwise allocated to any one individual.
- Single-family dwellings (detached), duplexes, triplexes, individual townhomes, and individual mobile homes are not eligible site types for installation of Level 2 EVSEs with this incentive project. However, installations may include shared-use Level 2 EVSEs made available to residents domiciled in these housing developments.
- Installations for school bus charging are not eligible for incentives.
- Project sites that have already been commissioned are not eligible for incentives.
When Are Applications Due?
The application window starts on Thursday March 23rd, 2023. Applicants have 45 days to submit their incentive request through CALSTART’s online Incentive Processing Center (IPC). This process can be a little intimidating – that’s where Chargie can lend a hand.
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.
