Members of the California Energy Commission have unanimously approved the agency's 2013-2014 Investment Plan Update, which steers the investment of state dollars into alternative fuels and other advanced transportation technologies.
‘This investment plan provides a solid foundation for the continued transformation of California's transportation sector,’ said commission Chairman Robert B. Weisenmiller.
The 2013-2014 plan allocates $100 million across a variety of areas, including the following:
- $23 million for biofuels production and supply, with an emphasis on fuels made from waste-based and other low-carbon, sustainable materials;
- $20 million for hydrogen fueling infrastructure. An estimated 68 stations are needed to support the anticipated roll-out of these vehicles in 2015-2017. Roughly 24 stations are built or in development;
- $15 million for medium- and heavy-duty electric truck and hybrid vehicle demonstration projects;
- $12 million for natural gas vehicle (NGV) incentives that help defray the incremental cost of an NGVs;
- $7 million for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, with fleet, workplace and multi-unit housing projects given priority;
- $5 million for light-duty plug-in EV rebates;
- $5 million for manufacturing projects, supporting economic development and clean transportation technology;
- $4 million to emerging opportunities. This allocation is not specifically tied to any single fuel or technology type, with a priority for projects that can leverage federal funding;
- $3.5 million for regional alternative fuel readiness and planning, building on previous projects supporting these efforts;
- $2 million for centers for alternative fuels and advanced vehicles to support collaborative efforts that promote innovation, demonstrate new technologies, leverage venture capital and federal funds, and provide workforce training;
- $2 million to workforce training and development;
- $1.5 million for natural gas fueling infrastructure.
All of this funding is administered through the state's Alternative and Renewable Fuels and Vehicle Technology (ARFVT) program.
