What’s New in California’s EV Charging Industry: Incentives and Policy Shifts You Should Know
- Jeff Reger
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
California continues to lead the nation in electric vehicle (EV) adoption—and the policies and programs around charging infrastructure are evolving quickly. For property managers and business owners, these changes create both opportunities and challenges. Here are two EV Charging Incentive and Policy Shifts in California you should know about right now:
$55 Million in New Funding for EV Charging
The California Energy Commission recently announced $55 million in new incentives to expand EV charging infrastructure across the state despite recent funding cuts on the federal level.
What this means for property managers and businesses:
Lower upfront costs – Incentives can significantly reduce the expense of installing charging stations at your property.
Tenant and customer attraction – Offering EV charging is increasingly seen as an amenity that adds value and convenience.
Future-proofing your property – California continues to push toward an all-electric future, and this funding is designed to accelerate adoption.
In short: if you’ve been considering EV charging but hesitated because of costs, now may be the time to act.
The End of HOV Lane Access for Solo EV Drivers
On the policy side, California has also made a major shift: as of October 2025, electric vehicle drivers will no longer be allowed to use carpool (HOV) lanes when driving solo.
Why this matters:
EV adoption has grown so rapidly that HOV lane access is no longer viewed as a primary incentive.
The focus is shifting from perks for individual EV drivers to infrastructure that supports widespread charging access.
For property owners, this underscores a trend: the state’s priority is on ensuring EV drivers have convenient, reliable charging where they live, work, and shop.
Takeaway for Property Managers and Business Owners
Between new funding opportunities and shifting state policies, California is signaling one clear message: EV charging is moving from “nice-to-have” to must-have infrastructure.
At Act2EV, we help properties navigate this changing landscape—from securing incentives to designing, installing, and maintaining charging stations that fit your unique needs.
Ready to explore your options? Contact us to learn how we can help you future-proof your property with EV charging.
