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California’s Electric Companies Submit Plans for More EV Charging Stations

California’s leading electricity providers recently released plans to install more than 10,000 EV charging stations across the state. Outlines for these new plug-in points nudge forward efforts to mainstream electric vehicles by growing California’s fledgling network of charging resources.

Last week, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) each submitted proposals to the California Public Utilities Commission asking for funding “to help accelerate the transition to electric transportation.”

Proposed strategies focus on facilitating charge capability for passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as heavy-duty and industrial equipment. If the plans pass, the project would cost electric customers nearly $1 billion in financing fees.
The suggested upgrades have arrived in tandem with California’s upcoming midterm review of its Zero-Emission Vehicle Program. Resulting from recent state senate initiatives in support of sustainability, the ZEV program aims to halt greenhouse emissions by putting 1.5 million clean-energy vehicles on the road by 2025. ZEV efforts fronted by governor Jerry Brown are credited with contributing to California’s swelling plugable car count, which exceeded 250,000 in November 2016.