California offers up to $100,000 per port for EV fast chargers

California has opened a new round of funding for public EV fast chargers, called the Fast Charge California Project. Starting October 7, businesses, nonprofits, public agencies, and eligible tribes can apply for up to $100,000 per charging port, with at least $28 million available. The money can cover up to 100% of costs, including equipment, installation, planning, and engineering, though per-port limits still apply. Chargers delivering 150 to just under 275 kilowatts qualify for up to $55,000 per port, while those delivering at least 275 kilowatts qualify for up to $100,000.

This isn't funding for home chargers. It's aimed at property owners who want to install fast chargers open to the public, and the chargers must be ready to build, meaning utility service plans and permits are already in place. Applications close January 14, 2027, and funded projects in disadvantaged, low-income, and tribal communities get priority. Charging hubs, hotels, and business districts are not eligible site types this round, and at least half the connectors at each site must be a plug type called CCS.

For homeowners, this news mainly means more public fast chargers may show up nearby over the next year, which could make owning an electric vehicle more practical if you don't have a place to charge at home. The program is run through California's CALeVIP initiative, which has funded over 10,200 charger installations since 2017. A second application window with incentives up to $55,000 per port opens February 24 through May 27, 2027.