What Is CALeVIP? California’s 2026–2027 DC Fast Charging Incentives Explained

Last updated: July 15, 2026

California is providing $55.2 million in new funding for publicly accessible DC fast charging projects through the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project, better known as CALeVIP.

Announced by the California Energy Commission on May 28, 2026, the funding will be distributed through two upcoming Fast Charge California Project application windows. Eligible ready-to-build projects may receive incentives covering up to 100% of total approved project costs, subject to a maximum of $100,000 per charging port.

The $100,000 maximum does not apply to every charger. Under Window 2, charging ports with a guaranteed output of 150–274.99 kW may receive up to $55,000, while ports delivering at least 275 kW may receive up to $100,000. Window 3 will offer a maximum of $55,000 per eligible port with a minimum output of 150 kW.

This is an EV charging infrastructure incentive, not a consumer vehicle rebate. It is intended for eligible organizations developing publicly accessible charging sites in California.

CALeVIP Funding at a Glance

Program detail	Window 2	Window 3
Application period	October 7, 2026–January 14, 2027	February 24–May 27, 2027
Charger type	DC fast chargers	DC fast chargers
Geographic coverage	Statewide	Statewide
Minimum guaranteed output	150 kW per charging port	150 kW per charging port
Incentive for 150–274.99 kW	Up to $55,000 per port	Up to $55,000 per port
Incentive for 275 kW or more	Up to $100,000 per port	Up to $55,000 per port
Maximum cost coverage	Up to 100% of total approved costs	Up to 100% of total approved costs
Project status	Ready to build	Ready to build
Public access	Required	Required
Funding method	First come, first served, with priority for qualifying communities	First come, first served, with priority for qualifying communities

The application dates and headline incentive amounts were announced by the California Energy Commission. More detailed Window 2 and Window 3 requirements are available on the official CALeVIP website.

What Is CALeVIP?

CALeVIP stands for the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project. It is a California Energy Commission-funded initiative that provides incentives for the purchase and installation of publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure.

CALeVIP does not manufacture charging equipment, operate charging stations or provide rebates for purchasing electric vehicles. Its purpose is to reduce the upfront cost of eligible EV charger installation projects and accelerate the expansion of charging infrastructure across California.

The broader CALeVIP program has supported both Level 2 and DC fast charging projects. However, the funding covered in this article is specifically for high-speed DC fast charging through Fast Charge California Project Window 2 and Window 3.

According to the California Energy Commission, CALeVIP has supported more than 10,500 charger installations across the state. The first Fast Charge California Project window had awarded $54 million for more than 1,200 ready-to-build fast-charging ports in 35 California counties as of May 2026. More than 60% of those chargers were located in underserved communities.

How Much CALeVIP Funding Is Available?

The California Energy Commission announced $55.2 million in new funding on May 28, 2026.

The money will be offered through two application windows.

Fast Charge California Project Window 2

Window 2 will accept applications from October 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. PT until January 14, 2027, at 5:00 p.m. PT.

Eligible projects may receive incentives covering up to 100% of total approved costs, subject to the following limits:

Guaranteed output per charging port	Maximum incentive per port
150–274.99 kW	$55,000
275 kW or more	$100,000

The incentive amount is based on the guaranteed output available to each charging port, not simply the total nameplate power of the charging station.

Applications that meet the requirements will generally be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Ready-to-build applications in disadvantaged communities, low-income communities and tribal lands will be moved to the top of the funding queue.

Full information is available on the official Fast Charge California Project Window 2 page.

Fast Charge California Project Window 3

Window 3 will accept applications from February 24 to May 27, 2027.

It will provide up to $55,000 per eligible charging port, regardless of whether the equipment delivers more than 275 kW. Each eligible port must provide a minimum guaranteed output of 150 kW.

The higher $100,000 category available under Window 2 will therefore not be available under Window 3.

Additional information is available on the official Fast Charge California Project Window 3 page.

Who Can Apply for CALeVIP Window 2?

Window 2 is intended for organizations developing eligible commercial or public charging sites in California.

An eligible applicant must represent one of the following:

• A business based in California or with a California-based affiliate
• A sole proprietorship based in California or with a California-based affiliate
• A nonprofit organization based in California or with a California-based affiliate
• A California-based government entity
• A California Native American tribe listed with the Native American Heritage Commission

The applicant must be an authorized representative of the proposed installation site. This may be the property owner or an organization that has received permission from the property owner through the required CALeVIP site verification process.

Window 2 also introduces an important ownership requirement: the applicant must be part of the same entity, business or organization as both the incentive recipient and the owner of the EV charging equipment.

In practical terms, a contractor or EV service provider cannot apply solely as an outside representative and then have an unrelated organization receive the incentive and own the chargers. The applicant organization, incentive recipient and equipment owner must be connected as required by the program.

What Does “Ready to Build” Mean?

Fast Charge California Project funding is designed for projects that have moved beyond early planning.

For Window 2, an application is considered ready to build only when it includes:

• Issued permits from the relevant authority having jurisdiction; and
• A final utility service design, or an official utility letter confirming that no new or upgraded electrical service is required.

An application with an incomplete permit or preliminary utility design will not meet the ready-to-build requirement.

This means applicants generally need to complete site planning, utility coordination, electrical design and permitting before the application window opens.

The official Window 2 application process begins with confirming that the site is eligible, completing the site design and obtaining the permits and utility documents. Applicants then submit their documentation through the CALeVIP portal during the application window.

After funding is reserved, applicants must provide a copy of the equipment order within 90 days. According to the current Window 2 page, applicants will have 450 days to complete the installation and submit the supporting documentation required for payment.

Which Sites May Qualify?

The upcoming funding is intended for publicly accessible DC fast charging sites across California.

The California Energy Commission says eligible locations may include businesses, public facilities, high-traffic destinations and sites along important travel routes.

However, CALeVIP has confirmed that the following site types will no longer be eligible under Window 2 and Window 3:

• Charging hubs
• Hotels
• Business districts

Eligible sites must be available to the public. Applicants should not rely only on CALeVIP’s general eligibility page because each funding window has its own site definitions and requirements.

The final Window 2 Implementation Manual had not yet been published as of July 15, 2026. Applicants should therefore check the official project page and Implementation Manual before confirming that a particular property type qualifies.

Are Disadvantaged Communities Required?

No. A project does not have to be located in a disadvantaged community or low-income community to apply for Window 2 or Window 3.

Both funding windows are statewide.

However, ready-to-build projects located in the following areas will receive priority:

• Disadvantaged communities
• Low-income communities
• Tribal lands

For Window 2, qualifying priority applications will automatically be moved to the top of the funding queue.

Applicants can use CALeVIP’s EV Charging Opportunity Finder and California’s official priority population maps to evaluate potential project locations.

What Charger Power Is Required?

Eligible equipment under both upcoming windows must generally provide at least 150 kW of guaranteed output per charging port.

For Window 2:

• Ports delivering 150–274.99 kW may receive up to $55,000.
• Ports delivering at least 275 kW may receive up to $100,000.

For Window 3:

• All eligible ports delivering at least 150 kW may receive up to $55,000.
• There is no separate higher incentive category for ports above 275 kW.

The word “guaranteed” is important. Applicants should confirm how much power each port can provide when the charging system is operating under the conditions defined by CALeVIP, particularly when multiple charging ports share the same power cabinet.

Which Connector Types Are Eligible?

CALeVIP permits both CCS and J3400 connectors under the upcoming Fast Charge California Project windows, but the connector requirements differ.

For Window 2, at least 50% of the connectors installed at each project site must be CCS connectors.

For Window 3, both J3400 and CCS connectors may be used, but only one CCS connector per site will be required.

This change gives Window 3 projects more flexibility to deploy J3400 connectors while maintaining at least some CCS access.

Applicants should verify the final connector configuration against the applicable Implementation Manual before ordering equipment.

What Equipment and Network Requirements Apply?

Not every commercially available DC fast charger will automatically qualify for CALeVIP funding.

Equipment must be reviewed and approved for the relevant CALeVIP project. Applicants should confirm eligibility through the official CALeVIP 2.0 Eligible Equipment and Networks page before placing an order.

The upcoming windows also include several important equipment, reliability and networking requirements.

ENERGY STAR certification

CALeVIP states that all chargers funded through Window 2 and Window 3 must be ENERGY STAR certified.

OCPP 2.0.1 reporting

Networked chargers installed on or after September 28, 2026 must report using the OCPP 2.0.1 protocol and transmit the data required by California’s charger reporting rules.

Because Window 2 opens after that date, OCPP 2.0.1 reporting capability will be especially relevant for applicants selecting equipment and network providers.

Reliability requirements

Chargers funded through the program must comply with California’s AB 2061 charger data and reliability requirements.

These include:

• A 97% uptime standard, subject to specified exclusions
• Reporting charger reliability data to the California Energy Commission
• Sharing charger availability, accessibility and real-time pricing information through an API
• Complying with applicable recordkeeping and data-reporting standards

Network provider requirements

Network providers participating in Window 2 must meet CALeVIP and California Energy Commission requirements. These include the ability to:

• Provide networking services for the installed DC fast chargers
• Support remote charging initiation through a toll-free telephone option
• Enter into a data-sharing agreement
• Collect and transmit the required charging-session data
• Report using OCPP 2.0.1
• Meet applicable AB 2061 reporting requirements

Applicants should confirm that both the selected charger and network provider are eligible before submitting an application.

How Much of the Project Cost Can Be Covered?

Window 2 and Window 3 may cover up to 100% of total approved project costs, subject to the per-port incentive caps.

For example, a Window 2 project using a 300 kW charging port may qualify for a maximum incentive of $100,000 for that port. However, if the approved eligible cost associated with the port is only $80,000, the project would not receive more than the approved cost.

CALeVIP currently states that total approved costs may include items such as:

• Charging equipment
• Installation
• Planning
• Engineering

The complete definitions of eligible and ineligible costs will be provided in the applicable Implementation Manual.

Applicants should not assume that every expense connected with a charging project will qualify. The final incentive cannot exceed 100% of the eligible costs incurred and paid by the incentive recipient.

Can CALeVIP Funding Be Combined With Other Incentives?

Window 2 generally prohibits combining CALeVIP funding with other EV charging infrastructure incentive programs for the same proposed installation.

Prohibited combinations include certain funding from:

• Other California Energy Commission programs
• Investor-owned utility EV charging programs
• Publicly owned utility charger rebate programs
• Air district programs
• Community choice aggregator charging programs
• The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program

The official Window 2 rules provide limited exceptions, including certain federal funding, Low Carbon Fuel Standard revenue and specified utility tariff programs.

Applicants should review the official stacking requirements carefully before applying to multiple funding programs for the same site. Receiving or reserving funding from another charging incentive may affect the project’s CALeVIP eligibility.

What Happens After an Application Is Submitted?

For Window 2, eligible applications will be placed in a funding queue.

Funding will be reserved in queue order until the money allocated to the window has been fully reserved. Qualifying projects in disadvantaged communities, low-income communities and tribal lands will receive priority.

The current CALeVIP process includes the following general stages:

1. Confirm site eligibility.
2. Complete the required site design.
3. Obtain issued permits and the final utility service design.
4. Prepare the required application documents.
5. Submit the application during the funding window.
6. Receive notification that funds have been reserved.
7. Provide evidence of the equipment order within 90 days.
8. Complete construction and track progress.
9. Complete inspections and utility work.
10. Energize and commission the chargers.
11. Submit the final payment documents.
12. Receive the incentive after final approval.

Only one application per site can receive funding under Window 2.

Why This Funding Matters for Site Owners and Developers

Public DC fast charging projects often require significant upfront investment in equipment, electrical infrastructure, utility service, construction, networking and engineering.

CALeVIP can improve project economics by covering a substantial portion of approved costs. The ready-to-build requirement also directs funding toward projects that are more likely to move quickly from application to installation.

For businesses and public-site operators, the program may make it easier to add charging capacity at locations where drivers already stop or travel.

For developers and charging operators, the program also signals that California is placing increasing emphasis on:

• High-power charging
• Public accessibility
• Charger reliability
• Open network communication
• Real-time data availability
• Support for underserved and priority communities

However, funding alone does not guarantee a successful charging site. Applicants still need to select suitable equipment, confirm utility capacity, complete the permit process, meet networking requirements and plan for long-term operation and maintenance.

What Has Not Yet Been Published?

Some Window 2 and Window 3 details were still pending as of July 15, 2026.

CALeVIP had not yet released:

• The complete Window 2 Implementation Manual
• The complete Window 3 webpage and Implementation Manual
• The final detailed definitions for every eligible and ineligible site type
• The full project-specific list of eligible and ineligible costs
• All required application forms and supporting documentation for both windows

Applicants should treat the official project pages as the current baseline, but they should review the final Implementation Manual before making equipment purchases or submitting an application.

Key Takeaway

CALeVIP is a California EV charging infrastructure incentive, not a vehicle purchase rebate.

The latest $55.2 million funding announcement provides two new opportunities for ready-to-build public DC fast charging projects:

• Window 2 runs from October 7, 2026 to January 14, 2027 and offers up to $55,000 per port for 150–274.99 kW equipment or up to $100,000 per port for equipment delivering at least 275 kW.
• Window 3 runs from February 24 to May 27, 2027 and offers up to $55,000 per eligible port with a minimum output of 150 kW.

Projects must be publicly accessible, use eligible equipment and meet the specific applicant, site, power, connector, reliability and documentation requirements of the relevant funding window.

Most importantly, applicants should begin utility coordination and permitting before the application window opens. Without issued permits and a final utility service design—or an official utility letter confirming that an upgrade is not required—a Window 2 project will not be considered ready to build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources

• California Energy Commission: $55.2 Million CALeVIP Funding Announcement, May 28, 2026
• CALeVIP: Upcoming Fast Charge California Project Rebates
• CALeVIP: Fast Charge California Project Window 2
• CALeVIP: Fast Charge California Project Window 3
• CALeVIP: General Eligibility and Requirements
• CALeVIP: Eligible Equipment and Networks

Program requirements may change as CALeVIP publishes its final Implementation Manuals and application documents. Applicants should verify the latest official requirements before ordering equipment or submitting an application.