California Energy Commission awards $1.69 million to ElectricFish to ramp-up production

ElectricFish is thrilled to announce a critical step forward in our growth as we proudly accept a prestigious grant from the California Energy Commission. This grant marks a significant milestone in our mission to build resilient and flexible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, accelerating decarbonization efforts and supporting communities in adapting to climate risks.

The CEC’s Realizing Accelerated Manufacturing and Production for Clean Energy Technologies (RAMP) grant is awarded to clean energy entrepreneurs to successfully advance their emerging best-of-class innovative technology to the Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) stage. LRIP is the first step in making the transition from highly customized hand-built prototypes, which are used for performance testing and vetting the production process, to the final mass-produced end product produced in the Full-Rate Production phase. We are actively closing in on a 10,000 square feet facility for our production ramp-up. This facility is also located in a 90+ percentile Calenviroscreen-designated Disadvantaged Community, which will create new economic opportunities for a rapidly transforming neighborhood.

At the heart of our grant approval is the production of the 350squared, our containerized, battery storage-integrated DC Fast Charging infrastructure which doubles as a resilient resource for the grid. By integrating battery storage, the 350squared supports grid stability and reliability, exemplifying how EV chargers can become responsible citizens of the grid.

The CEC’s recognition of our vision and commitment is a testament to California’s unwavering dedication to clean energy initiatives and the transition to a greener future.

The significance of this grant cannot be understated, as it directly addresses the grid infrastructure challenges that have hindered the widespread adoption of DC Fast Charging in California. Deploying DC Fast Charging can be a costly and time-consuming process, often requiring extensive transformer upgrades and lengthy permitting procedures. These challenges disproportionately affect small businesses and disadvantaged communities grappling with aging distribution grid infrastructure. At the same time, this project also advances inclusive economic opportunities through workforce development and on-the-job training, expecting to create 15 high-paying jobs by the end of 2024.

“This load flexibility theme is one that’s going to be with us for a while. We need these sorts of solutions. The peak smoothing and valley filling element here is really compelling.” — CEC Commissioner McAllister
ElectricFish firmly believes that our project will be a game-changer, unlocking mass EV adoption while simultaneously supporting ubiquitous, resilient, and equitable electrification across the state. With this grant, we aim to accelerate the achievement of California’s roadmap, which seeks to phase out sales of new gasoline vehicles by 2035. By streamlining the deployment of DC Fast Charging infrastructure, we will play a crucial role in facilitating the transition to sustainable transportation.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the California Energy Commission and its visionary commissioners for their leadership in developing funding programs and cultivating an innovation ecosystem that supports clean energy entrepreneurs like us. This grant underscores their dedication to advancing technologies that combat climate change and propels California towards a sustainable and resilient future.

We are humbled by this recognition and inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation, paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable California for generations to come.