For Immediate Release: June 12, 2019

En Español (Links to a PDF file)

$6 million also awarded for EV ridesharing and electric bus manufacturing

SACRAMENTO - Today the California Energy Commission awarded more than $31 million to help advance clean energy research to the next stage.

The projects, funded by the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program, are designed to help accelerate the electricity sector’s transformation to meet the state’s energy and climate goals. The program has invested more than $718 million in cutting-edge technologies since 2014.

“The Energy Commission’s EPIC research program invests in a balanced portfolio of projects aligned to critical advancements in energy efficiency, energy generation, and energy systems and makes strides across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors,” said Energy Commission Vice Chair Janea A. Scott. “Research projects like those funded through EPIC today support entrepreneurs, launch new businesses and bring new technologies to market—stimulating market activity and affecting change through technology push and market pull.”

The Energy Commission awarded more than $22 million for 10 projects to help start-up companies advance their clean energy technology to the pilot production stage at California manufacturing facilities.

The Energy Commission also approved three grants of nearly $9 million from the Bringing Rapid Innovation Development to Green Energy (BRIDGE) program.

BRIDGE funding allows start-up companies that have previously received federal or Energy Commission funding to continue working on their technology without waiting for a new public funding opportunity or pausing to raise private funding. The awardees are working to develop energy storage alternatives to lithium ion batteries.

Clean Transportation Program Awards $6 Million

Through the Clean Transportation Program, also known as the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, the Energy Commission awarded more than $6 million in grants. The program supports clean transportation innovation.

“The Energy Commission is investing in projects that will help clean the air and give families access to clean transportation,” said Energy Commissioner Patty Monahan. “Finding ways to share electric vehicles and reduce harmful diesel pollution will help Californians breathe easier while they travel to work and school.”

Two recipients received nearly $1.3 million for outreach, education, and collaborative planning grants to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the San Joaquin Valley. The Fresno Metro Black Chamber Foundation will support the growth of several electric vehicle car-sharing and ridesharing services in disadvantaged communities. Gladstein, Neandross & Associates LLC will support the deployment of clean commercial trucks by facilitating access to incentives, providing technical assistance, and increasing engagement with operators and consumers.

Three awardees will use the funds for infrastructure manufacturing projects in California that will help meet the state’s goal of 5 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2030.

Proterra, Inc. received nearly $2 million to expand zero-emission bus manufacturing in the City of Industry. Transportation Power, Inc. received more than $1.1 million to help produce zero- emission vehicle drive systems and components in Escondido. Zero Motorcycles, Inc. received nearly $2 million to implement manufacturing changes at its Scotts Valley facility.

More details are available in the business meeting agenda.

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About the California Energy Commission

The California Energy Commission is leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future. It has seven core responsibilities: developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, increasing energy efficiency, investing in energy innovation, advancing state energy policy, certifying thermal power plants, and preparing for energy emergencies.