Fast Charge California Project 1 (FCCP-1): DC Fast Charging Incentives Guide

An in-depth overview of California’s Fast Charge California Project 1 incentive program for public DC fast charging infrastructure.

Program overview

The Fast Charge California Project 1 (FCCP-1) is a statewide incentive program designed to accelerate the deployment of high-power direct current fast chargers (DCFC) across California.

The program provides funding for ready-to-build public charging projects and is administered under the CALeVIP framework to support California’s transportation electrification, climate, and air quality goals.

Incentive structure and funding amounts

FCCP-1 incentives may cover up to 100% of total approved project costs, subject to per-port caps. Eligible costs may include equipment, installation, design, engineering, and utility service expenses.

Each installation must include a minimum of four (4) qualifying charging ports, and applicants may receive incentives for up to 20 charging ports per application.

Priority and equity considerations

While projects located in disadvantaged communities (DACs), low-income communities (LICs), and tribal lands are not mandatory, eligible applications in these areas receive priority processing.

These prioritized applications are automatically moved to the top of the funding queue once deemed eligible.

Applicant eligibility requirements

Eligible applicants must be site owners or authorized agents acting on behalf of the site owner.

• Businesses, sole proprietorships, nonprofits, or public/government entities
• California-based organizations or California-operating affiliates
• California Native American tribes listed with the Native American Heritage Commission

Applicants must certify that no legal action will interfere with the completion or operation of the proposed installation.

Applicant caps

• No recipient may receive more than 35% of total FCCP-1 funding
• No more than 50 active CALeVIP applications/projects per incentive recipient

“Ready-to-Build” eligibility (Tier 1 only)

FCCP-1 funding is limited exclusively to Tier 1 (Ready-to-Build) applications.

To qualify, applications must include:

• Issued permit(s) from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
• Final Utility Service Design or official utility confirmation that no upgrade is required

Eligible site types

FCCP-1 supports a wide range of publicly accessible site types, including:

• Airports, transit hubs, and charging hubs
• Retail centers, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations
• Hotels, medical facilities, libraries, and community centers
• Universities, large-format retail, and business districts

Public access requirements

• Chargers must be available to the public 24/7 (or at least 18 hours/day for parking facilities)
• No gated, fenced, or restricted-access locations
• Sites must be paved and part of an existing facility (no new construction)

Installation and workforce requirements

All installations must comply with applicable federal, state, and local codes and exceed minimum EV-ready standards.

EVITP certification

Per California Public Utilities Code 740.20:

• Installations must be performed by EVITP-certified electricians
• For charging ports ≥25 kW, at least 25% of the electrical workforce must be EVITP-certified at all times

Eligible DC fast charging equipment

Eligible equipment must meet strict technical and interoperability standards.

• Minimum 150 kW guaranteed output per charging port
• CCS and/or J3400 connectors (minimum 50% CCS per site)
• Networked connectivity (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular)
• UL 2202 or UL 9741 certified and CTEP approved
• OCPP 2.0.1 certified (Core + Advanced Security profiles)
• ISO-15118 hardware-ready
• ENERGY STAR® certified

Eligible costs

FCCP-1 incentives may reimburse approved costs such as:

• EVSE equipment, switchgear, transformers, and panels
• Design, engineering, and planning expenses
• Installation labor and materials
• Utility service and change orders
• Networking agreements and extended warranties
• ADA-related upgrades triggered by EVSE installation

Incentive stacking restrictions

FCCP-1 funding cannot be combined with most other EV charging incentive programs.

Exceptions include:

• Federal tax credits and federal funding not administered by the CEC
• Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) revenue
• Utility tariff rules (e.g., Rule 29 and 45)

Required documentation

Applicants must submit documentation at multiple project stages, including:

• Site Verification Form
• Final Utility Service Design
• Issued permits
• Equipment invoices and installation invoices
• EVITP affidavit and inspection sign-off
• Proof of AFDC station registration

Key takeaway: Fast Charge California Project 1 represents one of the most comprehensive state-level incentives for high-power DC fast charging. Success depends on early permitting, utility coordination, strict technical compliance, and complete documentation.