CALIFORNIA – California governor Gavin Newsom announced March 20, that the state has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) charging network to over 178,000 chargers in 2024, making it the largest in the nation.
He says that’s 48% more EV charging stations than gas nozzles in California.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) estimates there are about 120,000 gas nozzles in the state.
“As the federal government works to make it harder for you to charge your electric car, California is doing the opposite. We now have nearly 50% more chargers than gas nozzles in the state, meaning you have more options than ever to charge your vehicle,” said Newsom.
Trump administration paused $3 billion for EV charging stations
In a February 6 memo, the Trump Administration informed state transportation directors that the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program will be under review, pausing $3 billion meant for new EV charging stations.
However, the Trump administration’s focus to boost domestic production of fossil fuels has recently shifted, particularly regarding Tesla.
“I think, if you want to learn something on this show tonight, buy Tesla,” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Fox News on Wednesday.
Although Lutnick praised Tesla CEO and senior advisor to President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, the company’s stock has continued to decline.
CA awarding $55 million to install EV fast-charging stations at businesses
Despite the federal funding pause, California has continued to expand its EV charging infrastructure.
The state says out of the more than 178,000 EV chargers installed in the state, over 162,000 are Level 2 chargers, and nearly 17,000 are fast chargers.
The governor’s office also said the state approved a $1.4 billion investment plan to expand its charging and hydrogen network.
The investment plan funds projects like the Fast Charge California Project, which will award $55 million to install EV fast-charging stations at businesses and publicly accessible locations across the state.
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