California EV Charging Incentives for Multifamily Operators

If you own or operate apartments in California, now’s the time to plug into state funding for EV charging. The Communities in Charge project, backed by the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program, recently opened a new funding wave worth up to $56.5 million for multifamily housing and nearby spots where tenants can charge.

How California’s Communities in Charge EV Charging Program Works

• Who can apply? California property owners or stakeholders ready to install Level 2 chargers at multifamily or adjacent tenant-accessible sites.
• When? Applications opened in early August and close January 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT.
• What’s covered? Up to $8,500 per Level 2 charging port for the base incentive, with an additional $3,500 for qualifying customers.
• Equity first. Projects that serve disadvantaged, low-income, and Tribal areas get priority through an equity-based scoring system.
  

The Communities in Charge project is run by CALSTART with support from GRID Alternatives and Tetra Tech. CALSTART already manages more than $1 billion in national clean-transportation incentives, so this program has serious weight behind it.

What Happens After You Submit Your EV Charger Application?

Applications flow through the Incentive Processing Center and are reviewed as they arrive:

• Readiness Tier 1 projects, or those that are basically ready to break ground tomorrow, receive an immediate Notice of Final Award.
  
• Readiness Tier 2 projects get a Notice of Conditional Award and 90 days to submit additional paperwork before securing final approval.
  

Why AmpUp Is the Best Partner for Multifamily EV Charging Projects

Installing EV charging at multifamily housing isn’t just about getting hardware in the ground—it’s about ensuring the system runs smoothly for residents over the long term. That’s where AmpUp comes in:

• We’ve helped multifamily operators across the country deploy and manage charging successfully.
• Our CTEP-certified software ensures your project is eligible for California programs.
• We work with a wide range of CTEP-certified hardware partners, so you’ll have compliant equipment that qualifies for funding.
• Our platform makes it easy to set pricing, manage access, and monitor usage so your chargers deliver value for both tenants and your property.

Exclusive AmpUp Offer for Communities in Charge Applicants

To help you get started, we're offering an exclusive package for Communities in Charge Wave 4 Applicants:

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Get five years of the AmpUp Pro Plan for the price of four, plus free activation (a $1,400 value!).

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Don't let the application process slow you down. Our team and partners are ready to help you every step of the way.

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[Apply for your grant with our help today!]

Next Steps: Apply for Your EV Charger Grant Before January 9, 2026

California is electrifying fast. Residents increasingly expect reliable charging where they live, and this program is designed to remove cost barriers for multifamily operators. With up to $8,500 per Level 2 port on the table, it’s one of the most attractive funding opportunities yet to install EV charging at apartments.

Applications close January 9, 2026, and funds will go quickly. AmpUp can help you navigate the process and deliver a turnkey charging solution that qualifies for Communities in Charge funding.

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Learn more about how AmpUp supports multifamily operators here.