California has been leading the country in electric-vehicle adoption, with some 235,000 registered in the state as of December.
To help the state meet its goal of getting 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on California roads by 2025, and zero-emission vehicle infrastructure able to support 1 million vehicles by 2020, three of California’s largest utilities want funds to pay for charging stations for electric cars, buses and trucks.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), have submitted new plans to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) totaling more than $1 billion aimed at achieving multiple clean-transportation and emission-reduction goals set by the governor and state agencies.
In new filings with the California Public Utilities Commission, SCE, PG&E and SDG&E have laid out plans for a combination of fast-charging stations, electric-bus and -truck charging systems, and new rates and incentives.
Southern California Edison utility asked state regulators for permission to collect $570 million for a portfolio of projects tailored to meet the needs of its customers. In addition to innovative programs for passenger vehicle adoption, SCE is proposing to install charging infrastructure for heavy commercial and industrial vehicles at ports, warehouses, and along its freeways. These projects will benefit all SCE customers, with a particular focus on disadvantaged communities, often located along transportation corridors that are disproportionately affected by pollution and economic hardship
PG&E’s proposal is aimed at accelerating widespread EV adoption and combating climate change by reducing greenhouse-gas emissions related to transportation. For the seven proposed projects, PG&E is requesting a total budget of approximately $253 million.
SDG&E said it was applying for $244.1 million to install tens of thousands of EV charging stations in new, key areas to help accelerate the transition to electric transportation. The proposal includes charging stations for airport and seaport vehicles, delivery trucks, taxis, park-and-ride sites and up to 90,000 residences, as well as special rates to incentivize EV owners to charge at times of low energy prices and plentiful solar and wind power.
