A hydrogen filling station in California


California is making major moves to usher in a more environmentally-conscious automotive sector in the state. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has just approved a US$1.4 billion ($1.75 billion) plan to build out the EV charging infrastructure available to California drivers.

The plan, which will span over three years, will work to effectively phase out the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, while advancing the state’s hydrogen refuelling goals. The 2021-2023 Investment Plan Update will increase the budget of the Clean Transportation Program meaningfully, helping to shift California forward towards a future of clean transportation.

“These dollars close the 2025 infrastructure funding gap so that access to charging and hydrogen fueling isn’t a barrier for those exploring cleaner transportation options,” said Patty Monahan, the Lead Commissioner for Transportation.

Within the newly approved plan, the CEC will direct 80 per cent of available funding to charging stations and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. According to the release, this will include: US$314 million for light-duty electric vehicle charging infrastructure, US$690 million for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle infrastructure (battery-electric and hydrogen) and US$244 million for zero-emissions vehicle manufacturing.

Later this week, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will also be considering a proposal for US$1.5 billion ($1.8 billion) investment into clean transportation incentives, which will reportedly include consumer vehicle rebates and heavy-duty and off-road equipment investments.

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