California invests US$ 1.4 billion in expanding the electric vehicle charging network (Kampus- Freepik)
California is expanding its already vast network of electric vehicles, which includes over 150,000 public and private chargers.
On December 11, the California Energy Commission (CEC) announced a US$ 1.4 billion investment to expand the charging and hydrogen refueling network, aiming to reach 250,000 chargers in the coming years.
This project is part of the state’s efforts to meet its climate goals and ensure that Californians can rely on an accessible and efficient charging network, particularly in historically underserved areas.
The investment also reflects the Biden administration’s ongoing support for electric vehicle infrastructure, with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has funded the expansion of charging networks. On December 12, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a US$ 1.25 billion loan to EVgo Swift Borrower, which operates the largest network of chargers in the country. This will enable the installation of an additional 7,500 fast chargers. On a broader scale, the DOE highlighted that there are currently over 204,000 charging points across the country, with about 38,000 new chargers added in 2024.
Additionally, the U.S. government has been working to reduce the costs and environmental impact of electric vehicle batteries, with specific investments in small and medium-sized businesses in the automotive sector. In October, US$ 44 million in funding was announced to reduce battery costs, and in November, the DOE released US$ 70 million for electric vehicle manufacturers. The department also allocated US$ 17 million in grants to local governments to enhance energy efficiency and reduce climate pollution.
Source: Mashable | Photo: Kampus- Freepik | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
