Incentives for EV Chargers
Where Communities Live and Gather
Communities in Charge is California’s light-duty electric vehicle (EV) charging incentive project funded by the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program.
The program accelerates electric vehicle (EV) accessibility by catalyzing new markets and deploying EV charging stations to cut emissions, boost the economy, and benefit disadvantaged communities.
Communities in Charge is designed to focus exclusively on multi-family housing and related sites.
Learn more here: Eligibility
Who May Apply?
Who May Apply?
Applicant Eligibility
To apply for Communities in Charge incentives, you must be a property owner, authorized lessee, or designated representative (e.g., facilities manager) seeking support for Level 1 or Level 2 EV charger installations. Applicants are responsible for submitting complete, accurate documentation to CALSTART and may not transfer applications or incentives to third parties.
Program Integrity
CALSTART, in coordination with the California Energy Commission (CEC), may disqualify applicants who:
- Are noncompliant with Communities in Charge or other CEC-funded programs
- Are debarred or suspended from government contracting
- Cause delays or act against program goals
Project Limits
Applicants with more than 50 active projects across CALeVIP 1.0, CALeVIP 2.0, and Communities in Charge are ineligible for new awards until their active project count drops below 50. A project is considered active if funding is reserved and final payment or cancellation has not been processed.
Project Site Requirements
Eligible sites may be private, public, or mixed-use, unless otherwise noted in the Implementation Manual. All sites must meet the following criteria:
- Safety & Compliance: Must be well-lit, secure, and follow all applicable laws and regulations.
- Public Access: Publicly accessible Level 2 chargers must be available at least 18 hours/day, 7 days/week (excluding holidays). This does not apply to workplace or multi-family housing sites.
- Shared Use: Chargers must be shared and not assigned to individuals.
- Ineligible Site Types: Single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, and mobile homes are not eligible—unless chargers are shared among residents.
- Other Restrictions: School bus charging and previously commissioned sites are not eligible.
What is Level 1 Charging?
What is Level 1 Charging?
What is Level 1 Charging?
A basic and widely accessible solution for charging Electric Vehicles (EVs), typically using a standard 120-volt household outlet. Level 1 charging is ideal for residential settings and locations where vehicles remain parked for extended periods.
How Fast is Level 1 Charging?
Charging speeds vary depending on the vehicle and power source, but Level 1 chargers generally add 2 to 5 miles of range per hour. A full charge for a 300-mile range battery may take up to 60 hours, making it best suited for overnight or multi-day charging.
Is Level 1 Charging Right for Me?
Level 1 charging is a practical option for:
- Homeowners who want a simple, low-cost way to charge their EV
- Multi-family housing where shared-use charging is needed
- Workplaces or other locations where vehicles are parked for long durations
It's especially useful for plug-in hybrid vehicles or for supplementing Level 2 charging in areas with limited electrical infrastructure.
How Much are the Incentives?
How Much are the Incentives?
Incentives for Level 1 EV charging infrastructure are provided up to the amounts shown in the table below. Applicants may qualify for the base incentive, at a minimum, and payment amounts shall be determined by the total eligible project costs.
| Eligible Incentives for Level 1 EVSE | Amount Per Eligible Smart Outlet |
|---|---|
| Base Incentive | $2,000 |
| Multi-family housing Project Site for Tribal government, Tribal entity, or non-governmental organizations serving Tribal communities. | Additional $800 |
(Example: An eligible Applicant whose multi-family housing Project Site is located on Tribal lands may be eligible to receive $2,800 per eligible Smart Outlet.)
Incentives for Level 2 EV charging infrastructure are provided up to the amounts shown in the table below. Applicants may qualify for the base incentive, at a minimum, and payment amounts shall be determined by the total eligible project costs.
| Eligible Incentives for Level 2 EVSE | Amount Per Eligible Charging Port |
|---|---|
| Base Incentive | $8,500 |
| Multi-family housing Project Site for Tribal government, Tribal entity, or non-governmental organizations serving Tribal communities. | Additional $3,500 |
(Example: An eligible Applicant whose Multi-Family Housing Project Site is located on Tribal lands may be eligible to receive $12,000 per eligible connector towards eligible costs.)
Important News and Resources
Communities in Charge – Funding Wave 4 ‘How to Apply’ Webinar Part 2
Free Technical Assistance for EV Charging Projects
Communities in Charge, in partnership with GRID Alternatives, offers no-cost support during the application period to help you get your EV charging project ready and submitted. This support is available for projects in low-income, disadvantaged, and Tribal communities. If you have questions, please contact the team directly.
California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) 2.0
CALeVIP 2.0 provides funding for installing publicly available EV DCFC charging stations to support the rapid adoption of electric vehicles across California administered by the Center for Sustainable Energy. Projects include Golden State Priority Project and Fast Charge California Project.
