EVCS, a leading West Coast EV fast-charging network operator, has been awarded a $1.9M grant by the California Energy Commission to enhance access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Northern and Central California’s underserved communities.
What’s Happening
The leading West Coast electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging network operator, EVCS, made headlines today as it was awarded $1.9 million from the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) Rural Electric Vehicle (REV) program. This financial boost will drive the installation of 30 DC fast chargers and 8 Level 2 chargers across Northern and Central California, significantly broadening the reach of EV infrastructure in rural, low-income, and disadvantaged communities.
Why It Matters
The REV program’s mission is to augment access to EV charging in areas that are either underserved or completely devoid of such infrastructure. The funds EVCS received will play a pivotal role in enhancing the reliability and accessibility of chargers, supported by robust maintenance and support services. This funding and the ongoing efforts of EVCS contribute towards bridging the electric charging infrastructure gap in less privileged areas.
Key Points
EVCS is currently on an ambitious path to expand its charging network. The company aims to double its charger count to over 1,500 and penetrate more than 35 new cities by the end of the year. Thanks in part to the CEC funds, this strategic expansion includes fresh markets such as Mendocino County, Butte County, and San Joaquin County.
Gustavo Occhuizzo, CEO and Co-Founder at EVCS, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with CEC. He emphasized that the funding would boost the installation of more chargers in rural zones and along interstate corridors, while actively engaging local communities to foster EV adoption.
Bottom Line
The California Energy Commission stands firmly behind EVCS’s efforts to expand access to electric vehicle infrastructure in California’s rural, low-income, and disadvantaged communities. Commissioner Patty Monahan commended EVCS’s contributions towards meeting California’s zero-emission transportation goals. As such, the alliance between EVCS and CEC promises a cleaner, more sustainable future for California, with the expectation of seeing charging sites up and running in the near future.
