The Volkswagen Light Duty Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, a $5 million statewide program funding electric vehicle infrastructure, is scheduled to open February 2021.

The funding will be available to purchase and install new charging stations for battery-electric vehicles while:

• Directing a minimum of 50 percent of funds to disadvantaged and low-income communities; and

• Expanding EV charging access statewide and closing geographic gaps in coverage.

In advance of the solicitation, the VW administrator developed a draft guidance document and is seeking comments from interested parties. Deadline for feedback is Jan. 28, 2021.

Public comments and questions may also be submitted online through the program website at https://www.californiavwtrust.org/ev-infrastructure, by emailing CaliforniaVWTrust@baaqmd.gov, or by calling 1-844-9VW-FUND.

The VW administrator will also be holding two pre-solicitation webinars where they will review the proposed criteria for eligibility, funding restrictions and evaluation: Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. and Jan. 21 at 3 p.m.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is serving as the statewide administrator of the funding for the VW Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant under contract with the California Air Resources Board. Connect with the Air District via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.