CALeVIP: California's Biggest EV Charger Rebate Program Explained
What Is CALeVIP?
The California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) is one of the state's flagship programs for deploying EV charging infrastructure. Administered by the California Energy Commission (CEC), CALeVIP provides rebates to property owners, businesses, and organizations that install EV charging stations.
CALeVIP is funded through California's Clean Transportation Program and has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars in rebates across the state. The program operates through regional incentive projects, each targeting specific counties with tailored rebate amounts.
How Much Can You Get?
CALeVIP rebate amounts vary by region and charger type:
Level 2 Chargers
- $3,500 to $6,500 per connector for standard installations
- Up to $8,000+ per connector in disadvantaged communities
- Rebates cover a significant portion of equipment and installation costs
DC Fast Chargers (DCFC)
- $40,000 to $80,000 per connector for standard installations
- Up to $95,000+ per connector in disadvantaged communities
- These generous amounts can cover the majority of a DCFC installation
Disadvantaged Community Bonus
Properties located in disadvantaged communities (as defined by CalEnviroScreen) receive enhanced rebate amounts — often 25-50% more than standard rates. Many commercial properties in California qualify for this bonus without realizing it.
Which Properties Are Eligible?
CALeVIP is open to a wide range of property types:
- Retail and commercial properties — Shopping centers, strip malls, standalone retail
- Workplaces — Office buildings, corporate campuses, industrial facilities
- Multifamily housing — Apartment complexes, condominiums with shared parking
- Hotels and hospitality — Hotels, motels, resorts
- Government and public facilities — Municipal buildings, libraries, community centers
- Healthcare facilities — Hospitals, medical offices, clinics
- Educational institutions — Schools, colleges, universities
The chargers must be publicly accessible or available to tenants/employees depending on the specific regional project requirements.
Active Regional Projects
CALeVIP operates through regional incentive projects, each covering specific counties. Projects have included:
- Southern California — Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino counties
- San Diego County — Dedicated DCFC and Level 2 programs
- Bay Area — San Francisco, Alameda, Santa Clara, and surrounding counties
- Central Valley — Fresno, Kern, Sacramento, and San Joaquin Valley counties
- Northern California — Butte, Shasta, Humboldt, and surrounding areas
Each regional project has its own funding allocation, timeline, and specific requirements. Some regions open and close their application windows, so timing matters.
How to Apply
The CALeVIP application process is straightforward:
- Check your region — Verify that your county has an active CALeVIP project with available funding
- Get a site assessment — Evaluate your property's electrical capacity and charger placement
- Choose your equipment — Select eligible chargers from CALeVIP's approved equipment list
- Submit your application — Apply online through the CEC's CALeVIP portal
- Install chargers — Once approved, install the equipment according to program requirements
- Submit documentation — Provide proof of installation to receive your rebate
Important Application Tips
- Apply before installing — Most CALeVIP projects require you to apply and receive approval before beginning installation
- Use approved equipment — Only chargers on the program's eligible equipment list qualify for rebates
- Meet accessibility requirements — Chargers must meet ADA compliance and public access standards
- Submit on time — Each regional project has application deadlines and funding caps
Stacking CALeVIP with Other Incentives
CALeVIP rebates can be combined with other programs for maximum savings:
- Federal 30C Tax Credit — Apply the tax credit on top of your CALeVIP rebate
- Utility make-ready programs — Your utility may cover electrical infrastructure costs separately
- NEVI funding — For properties near highway corridors, NEVI can complement CALeVIP
- Air district incentives — SCAQMD and other districts may offer additional rebates
When properly stacked, property owners have covered 80-100% of total installation costs.
Check Your CALeVIP Eligibility
Our free tool checks your property's location against active CALeVIP regional projects and all other available California incentives.
Enter your property address on our homepage to see your available rebates — it takes under 60 seconds.
