The California Energy Commission’s (CEC) investment program for alternative fuels and vehicles has played a big part in development of advanced vehicles and the fueling infrastructure needed for all of it to be viable. Similar to previous years, the funding source – called Alternative and Renewable Fuels and Vehicle Technology investment plan – will offer about $100 million for these development projects in fiscal year 2013-2014. Here’s a listing of some of the larger investments that CEC will be making.
The California Energy Commission’s (CEC) investment program for alternative fuels and vehicles has played a big part in development of advanced vehicles and the fueling infrastructure needed for all of it to be viable. Similar to previous years, the funding source – called Alternative and Renewable Fuels and Vehicle Technology investment plan – will offer about $100 million for these development projects in fiscal year 2013-2014. The plan guides the CEC in supporting projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, reduce reliance on petroleum, and help create jobs, said Robert Weisenmiller, agency chair.
Some of the projects being funded under the new plan are:
- $23 million for biofuels production and supply
- $20 million for hydrogen fueling infrastructure. About 68 stations are needed to support the anticipated rollout of these vehicles in 2015-2017. About 24 stations are built or in development currently
- $15 million for medium- and heavy-duty electric truck and hybrid vehicle demonstration projects
- $12 million for natural gas vehicle incentives which help pay the difference between the cost of alternative-fuel vehicles and conventional vehicles.
- $7 million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
- $5 million for light-duty plug-in electric vehicle rebates to meet high demand for CARB’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program
- $5 million for manufacturing projects, supporting economic development and clean transportation technology
- $2 million to workforce training and development
- $1.5 million for natural gas fueling infrastructure to support growing use of these alternative fuel vehicles by many entities, including school districts
