Stacking Incentives: FCI, LCFS, CALeVIP, 30C, 45W and REC Explained

California is not a one-program state. A single DC fast charging site can earn from up to six distinct programs, each with its own application process, eligibility window, and timing. Most owners pick one — usually CALeVIP for the construction rebate — and walk away from the rest. The real revenue is in the stack.

The six programs that stack

FCI — Fast Charging Infrastructure (LCFS capacity)

Capacity-based credits paid quarterly to the owner of public DC fast chargers, on a multi-year eligibility horizon. This is our headline program.

LCFS Dispensing

Throughput-based credits paid quarterly on every kWh dispensed. Stacks with FCI on the same equipment.

CALeVIP

Construction rebate program funded by the California Energy Commission. One-time, paid against capex. Application windows are regional and competitive — timing matters.

30C — Alternative Fuel Infrastructure tax credit

Federal tax credit of up to 30% of installed cost (subject to caps and prevailing-wage rules) for qualifying charging equipment in eligible census tracts. Claimed on the tax return for the year placed in service.

45W — Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit

Federal tax credit for commercial clean vehicles, relevant for fleet operators charging on-site. Pairs cleanly with LCFS dispensing on depot charging.

RECs — Renewable Energy Certificates

If your site is paired with on-site solar or contracted renewable supply, the renewable attributes can be unbundled and sold separately. RECs do not conflict with LCFS in most structures.

How the stack actually works

CALeVIP and 30C pay against construction and don't conflict with the operational LCFS and FCI credit streams. RECs are an attribute-level claim that runs alongside LCFS dispensing without double-counting, when structured correctly. 45W applies to vehicles, not to chargers, so there's no overlap.

"FCI is the headline. The other five programs are where the second six-figure check lives."

Timing is everything

• CALeVIP windows open by region and close fast — file before construction starts.
• 30C must be claimed for the year the equipment is placed in service.
• FCI requires the CARB application to be on file before the eligibility clock starts ticking.
• LCFS reporting has to be in place from the first quarter of operation, or you forfeit that quarter.

What we do

We map your site against every program you qualify for, sequence the applications so they don't conflict, and manage the recurring revenue streams (LCFS and FCI) on an ongoing basis. We don't do your taxes — but we coordinate cleanly with whoever does.

Get a portfolio assessment

Send us your site list and we'll build the maximum incentive stack each site qualifies for, with a year-by-year revenue schedule.

Credit prices fluctuate; actual revenue varies by site, utilization, and market conditions. Figures are illustrative.