PALMDALE, CA, (January 24, 2024) – The City of Palmdale, in partnership with Energy Coalition (TEC), a California-based nonprofit organization, celebrates a significant milestone with the successful award of a $14.8 million grant from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Opportunity (CFI). This grant will cover 80% of the total cost of implementing the EVequity Leadership Project across 15 cities and one school district in Los Angeles County.
The CFI Program is a competitive grant program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places where people live and work.
The EVequity Leadership Project, led by the City of Palmdale, addresses critical challenges in disadvantaged communities by installing 390 Level 2 chargers and 22 DC fast chargers at 46 strategically selected locations. These sites span eight congressional districts, with 37 sites meeting the Justice40 criteria, ensuring equitable access to EV charging infrastructure.
“This grant is a testament to our commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive solutions in Los Angeles County. We are proud to have supported public agencies that would not have been able to meet the grant requirements alone,” said Laurel Rothschild, Vice President of The Energy Coalition. “The EVequity Leadership project will not only enhance access to EV charging but will also contribute to reducing air quality impacts in communities facing significant challenges.”
The project builds on the success of the County of Los Angeles demonstration project and Public Power-Up and expands it by incorporating DC fast charging and additional locations. By strategically placing chargers at government-owned properties within walking distance of affordable housing, the EVequity Leadership Project will reduce obstacles to EV adoption in disadvantaged communities, where EV adoption and charging infrastructure development have been historically limited.
“We are thrilled to lead the EVequity Leadership Project, working hand-in-hand with The Energy Coalition to bring transformative change to our communities. This grant enables us to address disparities in EV infrastructure, supporting economic and environmental resilience,” stated Mayor Austin Bishop of the City of Palmdale.
Palmdale will receive $1.694 million of the grant to install charging stations in the city and $150,000 to administer the program.
The remaining 20% of the project’s costs will be provided through a combination of California Energy Commission (CEC) funds, private sector partner EVCS, and two CEC-funded programs managed by The Energy Coalition. EVequity Leadership’s unique model allows larger charging providers to install Level 2 chargers in disadvantaged communities, leveraging government support to ensure sustainable and accessible solutions.
In addition to installing EV infrastructure, the project includes outreach and workforce development programs. These programs, based on successful pilot initiatives, will be operated by local non-profits, informing communities of the benefits of EVs and providing hands-on support in applying for vehicle incentives.
The Energy Coalition and the City of Palmdale express gratitude for the support received from the CFI Program, recognizing the alignment of the EVequity Leadership project with its objectives and eligibility requirements. The project is poised to contribute significantly to the vision of creating an inclusive and sustainable EV charging infrastructure across Los Angeles County.