The Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles (EnergIIZE) Hydrogen funding lane will open for two weeks beginning at 9 a.m. PDT on April 17, lasting through 5 p.m. PDT on May 1. This lane, funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and administered by CALSTART, followed the Electric Vehicle (EV) Fast Track funding lane application window, which is now closed.

The Hydrogen funding lane covers 50% of eligible equipment and software costs for standard projects, up to $3 million per project. If the applicant also meets certain equity criteria, 75% of eligible equipment and software costs are covered, with the maximum amount rising to $4 million per project, CALSTART said. Eligible equipment and software covered for funding include dispensers, compressors, liquid and gaseous pumps, piping and pipelines, high-pressure storage, chillers, meters, switchgear and electrical panel upgrades.

To be eligible for funding, CALSTART said applicants must show proof that their projects are intended for medium- or heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, that refueling stations are capable of dispensing 350 or 700 bar and that they meet ASME, ASTM and NFPA standards.

Applicants can submit applications with supporting documents through an Incentive Processing Center at the opening of the application window. A sandbox test application portal is now available on the EnergIIZE website to help prospective applicants familiarize themselves with the application process. The How to Apply workshop will be held the following day; CALSTART said prospective applicants are encouraged to register now.

“This is a great opportunity for fleet users and station owners across California to deploy hydrogen fueling infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and equipment at a reduced cost,” Alyssa Haerle, director of infrastructure incentive administration for CALSTART said. “EnergIIZE is happy to help accelerate the industry forward through this funding program.”