$14 Million Electric Vehicle Charging Station Incentive Project Launches in San José
For Immediate Release
Contact: Zachary Struyk Deputy Director
Account Management and Marketing
San José Clean Energy, City of San José
(408) 535-4868, zachary.struyk@sanjoseca.gov
$14 Million Electric Vehicle Charging Station Incentive Project Launches in San José
Details now available on how to apply for rebates provided by San José Clean Energy and the California Energy Commission
SAN JOSE, Calif. (September 16, 2020) – Starting December 16, 2020, businesses, commercial property owners, and multifamily residences in San José can apply for significant rebates on eligible electric vehicle (EV) Level 2 and DC Fast charging equipment and installation costs. This opportunity is available through San José Clean Energy’s (SJCE) partnership with the California Energy Commission’s California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP).
Today, CALeVIP launched a new website (calevip.org/incentive-project/peninsula-silicon-valley) to help prepare interested participants for the application process, which opens on December 16. The new website provides specifics on eligibility requirements and eligible equipment costs, summarizes the application process, and provides a list of frequently asked questions. Project funding is expected to be in high demand, so applicants are encouraged to prepare ahead of time and apply quickly.
This $14 million investment ($4 million from SJCE and $10 million from the California Energy Commission) will add approximately 100 new DC fast charging ports and 1,400 level 2 ports – doubling the current level of charging infrastructure in San José.
SJCE is committed to installing at least 25% of the charging stations in low-income and disadvantaged communities to improve access to this infrastructure and move the needle on EV adoption. CALeVIP’s program administrator, Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), will also provide technical assistance to multifamily residences and properties located in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
“Improving access to EV infrastructure is imperative to bringing down San José’s greenhouse gas emissions – 60% of which comes from current transportation methods,” said Mayor Sam Liccardo. “We are committed to making cleaner air and a more livable planet for all San Joseans.”
CALeVIP works to address regional needs for EV charging infrastructure throughout California, while supporting the state’s goals to improve air quality, fight climate change, and reduce petroleum use. San José’s investment is part of a regional Peninsula-Silicon Valley Incentive Project that totals $55 million in incentive funding in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
San José residents can take advantage of extra discounts on EVs now through October 31 through Drive Electric San José. Five local dealerships – Capitol Chevy, Capitol Hyundai, Capitol Kia, Premier Nissan of San José, and Stevens Creek Kia – are offering up to $3,000 in discounts on seven EV models. Customers can stack these discounts on top of state, federal, and local EV rebates for up to $13,000 in savings.
Income-qualified households can receive additional grants, affordable loans, and extra support to purchase or lease an EV, including used EVs. Those interested can learn more through free one-on-one counseling and financing workshops in partnership with Peninsula Family Service.
“We are thrilled to offer these incentives to our community,” said Lori Mitchell, director of the Community Energy Department, which operates SJCE. “Making EVs more affordable and expanding the city’s charging network will help San José shift to an electric transportation system, which will lead to cleaner air and healthier communities.”
Income inequality is a challenge in San José and Silicon Valley, and many of our communities are disproportionately burdened by environmental pollution. As San José does more to ensure that low-income residents and disadvantaged communities have greater access to the benefits of our tech-centered economy, SJCE will focus on providing programs that are designed to increase equity and access to the benefits of electrification and renewable energy.
Learn more about the benefits of EVs and SJCE’s EV programs at www.sanjosecleanenergy.org/ev.
About the City of San José
With more than one million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California’s largest city and the 10th largest city in the nation. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world. In 2011, the City adopted Envision San José 2040, a long-term growth plan that sets forth a vision and a comprehensive road map to guide the City’s anticipated growth through the year 2040.
About the Community Energy Department
San José Clean Energy is the new electricity generation service provider for residents and businesses in the City of San José, operated by the City’s Community Energy Department. Governed by the City Council, it provides over 330,000 residential and commercial electricity customers with cleaner, lower carbon power options at competitive prices, from sources like solar, wind and hydropower. For more information, please visit www.SanJoseCleanEnergy.org.
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