California to spend $768M on electric vehicle infrastructure

LOS ANGELES — California utilities will invest nearly $768 million to expand a network of charging stations and other infrastructure for electric vehicles as the state moves toward a goal of 5 million zero-emission cars on the roads by 2030.

The California Public Utilities Commission voted 5-0 Thursday to fund programs statewide, with an emphasis on building facilities in disadvantaged communities.

San Diego Gas & Electric Co. will spend more than $136 million to provide rebates for as many as 60,000 customers to install home charging stations. Pacific Gas and Electric will build 230 direct current fast-charging stations, for a total of nearly $22.5 million.

Gov. Jerry Brown in January outlined a $2.5 billion plan to help Californians buy electric vehicles as part of a long-term plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.