projected 2025 numbers in the 2020 EVI-PRO 2 study included 417,000 Level 2 units and 10,700 DC Fast Charging (DCFC) units. As of September 2025, actual installed units statewide comprise 195,162 Level 2 units (approximately 47% of the EVI-PRO 2 study’s target) and 21,283 DCFC units (approximately 199% of the target). [1]
A new project is examining this progress with specific attention to two areas: uptake and triggers. As Kathleen Bryan, Senior Manager, Energy and Utilities at West Monroe (formerly 2050 Partners), explains, “We’re seeking to identify specific barriers in these two areas. For instance, what might be the barriers reducing uptake of codes focused on EV charging infrastructure? And for triggers, how do we more effectively require new EV infrastructure in existing buildings? With this information, it would be easier to identify specific resources or follow-on actions to overcome these challenges.”
Local jurisdictions have a unique opportunity to contribute to this research at the upcoming CCEC Forum in late June. Kathleen will be presenting at the Forum’s poster session on Wednesday, June 24.
“We welcome input based on local government experience in supporting compliance with EVCI base and/or reach code requirements, and seek suggestions for potential improvements in language clarity, in order to improve uptake in communities across the state.”
Specific areas of interest include:
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Clarity of code language: Where are definitions and thresholds (e.g., EV-capable vs. EV-ready vs. EV-installed) unclear or interpreted differently across jurisdictions?
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Equity and access: Which communities see delayed or deferred charging infrastructure deployment, and what practices contribute to inequitable outcomes?
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Developer decision-making: When and why do developers and property owners choose to install fewer chargers than the infrastructure allows, or postpone activation?
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Real-world uptake: In completed projects, how does required infrastructure compare with installed and activated charging, and what are the most frequent and severe barriers along that path?
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EVCI Data: Do stakeholders collect data on charger counts, exceptions, or other important quantitative metrics? If so, where does it go?
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Current triggers: How well are alteration/addition triggers working today to increase levels of EV infrastructure in the 98% of buildings which are already built?
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Trigger exceptions: Of the exceptions in 5.106.5.4, does one stand out as frequently requested? Is data collected on frequency of exception?
Local government staff are encouraged to share their experiences, either at the Forum poster session on June 24th or directly with Kathleen at kbryan@westmonroe.com.
[1] California Energy Commission (2025). Electric Vehicle Chargers in California. Data last updated 9/8/2025. Retrieved 5/21/2026 from https://www.energy.ca.gov/zevstats
Data Source description for graph: AB 2127 Commission Report, "Assembly Bill 2127 Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Assessment - Analyzing Charging Needs to Support Zero-Emission Vehicles in 2030". https://www.energy.ca.gov/data-reports/reports/electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure-assessment-ab-2127