Electrify America has a $2-billion pot of money from naughty Volkswagen to invest in EV infrastructure, education and access programs. $800 of that is to be spent in California. In order to future-proof the program, EA is wisely dividing its investment into four phases. Now the company has announced its second $200-million round of investment in California. The Cycle 2 California ZEV Investment Plan will be implemented over 30 months, beginning in July 2019.
“In developing our plan, we conducted a robust outreach process to solicit input and met with leaders in California communities, government and business to inform our decisions,” said Electrify America CEO Giovanni Palazzo. “We want to demystify what it means to own and drive electric vehicles by making chargers more visible, more convenient, and more a part of the everyday lives of Californians.”
“We’ve also planned to further support ZEV adoption through services that are used by Californians every day – buses, shuttles, ride hail services – by providing more access to charging for those vehicles,” said COO Brendan Jones.
Highlights of the Cycle 2 plan include:
- Metropolitan Areas: The focus of infrastructure investment in Cycle 2 will shift to more DC Fast Charging (DCFC) stations within metro areas. EA will invest in 9 California metro areas which are expected to account for 89 percent EVs in operation through 2022. The DCFCs will be placed in retail locations, but also consider the needs of adjacent multi-unit dwellings. EA will also invest in DCFC stations targeting car share, taxis and transportation networking company drivers.
- Highways & Regional Routes: The Cycle 2 investments will continue to build out a highway network of DCFC stations featuring charging power up to 350 kW, which can refuel a vehicle at up to 20 miles of range per minute.
- Residential: EA will develop an online tool that connects EV buyers with the various residential charging incentives and rebates available in California and simplifies the application process. This program will be designed to integrate with CARB’s recently announced ‘one-stop shop,’ which focuses on incentives for the ZEV purchase itself. EA will also offer no-money-down residential chargers and installation, and will develop a platform to allow drivers with a home charger to earn financial rewards for plugging in and supporting a demand response platform to promote grid stability.
- Bus and Shuttle Charging: EA will collaborate with transit operators to provide charging infrastructure. This approach offers a means of serving low-income populations who rely on public transportation.
- Rural: EA will deploy Level 2 chargers in rural areas with a focus on health care facilities and educational institutions in the Central, Coachella and Imperial Valleys.
- Renewable Generation: Electrify America will invest in renewable generation for select stations.
- Education and Awareness: EA will invest in additional education programs to boost awareness of the benefits of ZEVs, using TV, radio and online campaigns.
Source: Electrify America