Transportation Electrification Branch

Caltrans ZEV Strategy

As the steward of California’s state highway system, Caltrans serves an important and unique role in the state’s efforts to increase zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on California’s roadways. In coordination with Caltrans Divisions and Districts, other state agencies, and external partners, the Department's ZEV strategy includes such actions as: 

  • Transitioning the Caltrans vehicle fleet, including locomotives, to ZEVs.
  • Installing charging stations at Caltrans workplaces and public charging stations along the SHS.
  • Investing in public charging accessibility through the facilitation of competitive grant programs. 
  • Incentivizing the adoption of zero-emission freight technology across the state.
  • Supporting local transit agencies' transition to zero-emission technology through funding and technical assistance.

Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Acceleration Program 

The Federal Highway Administration awarded Caltrans more than $63 million in federal funds to fix and install more than 1,000 chargers at 300 sites statewide. Caltrans has partnered with the California Energy Commission (CEC) for the implementation of this program. 

The CEC solicitation for projects closed on February 6, 2025. Learn More

National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program – Solicitation 2

The solicitation for California’s second round of funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program was announced by the California Energy Commission (CEC) on December 19, 2024. The federal NEVI Formula Program allocates $5 billion to the states to create a nationwide, interconnected network of DC fast chargers along the federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. Caltrans and the CEC are partnering to implement the NEVI program in California. 

The CEC held a Pre-Application Workshop on January 14, 2025.

The solicitation application period closed on March 25, 2025Learn More

FHWA Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program

The Notice of Funding Opportunity for Round 2 of the federal Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program was released on May 30, 2024. CFI is designed to accelerate an electrified and alternative fuel transportation system that is convenient, affordable, reliable, equitable, accessible, and safe.

The application period for reconsideration of non-awarded Round 1 applicants closed on July 1, 2024.

The application period for new applicants closed on August 28, 2024.

Interested applicants were able to request a letter of support or partnership for a CFI Project signed by a Caltrans District Director by contacting their Caltrans District Representative.

TCEP Medium- and Heavy-Duty ZEV Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Projects

Caltrans invited interested providers of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle charging and hydrogen fueling services to submit project concepts for consideration for nomination to the California Transportation Commission’s Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP).

The project concept submission period closed on July 10, 2024 and Caltrans submitted project nominations on November 21, 2024. Read More

Key Resources