What Cal EPIC does

Cal EPIC (California Energy, Power, and Innovation Collaborative) is a Sacramento-based nonprofit organization founded in 2019 by four founding partners — SMUD, the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Sacramento State, and UC Davis — to address the workforce and infrastructure gaps in California's electric vehicle and clean energy sectors. The organization operates from a 33,000-square-foot Innovation Hub and 25,000-square-foot Ramp Up Factory at the historic Sacramento Army Depot (8351 Luzon Ave, Sacramento), with a planned 25-acre future home at Sacramento State Research Park. Cal EPIC delivers workforce training programs including the flagship 24-week paid Rivian Technical Trades Training Program ($24/hour with guaranteed Rivian Service Technician placement), forklift and OSHA-10 certifications, solar installation basics (IBT 200), and green careers introductory courses, while also reaching eight California counties through the EPIC on the Road mobile training program in partnership with Sacramento City Unified School District.

Cal EPIC's second core function is operating California's first dedicated EV charger testing and interoperability laboratory, the Capital Charge Yard, which launched in 2026 with a $4 million California Energy Commission EPIC program grant running through 2030. The facility is built in partnership with CharIN (Charging Interface Initiative), KERI (Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute), and Momentum, and is supported by industry partners including Rivian, ChargePoint, Kempower, Nextracker, and SMUD. It conducts lab-style conformance testing, real-world demonstrations, and vehicle-to-grid technology exploration, and hosts annual policy conferences. Additional funding includes a $471,000 California Masonic Foundation grant (2025) for a mobile classroom built on a customized Rivian RCV 700 electric van.

The organization's revenue model is primarily grant-funded nonprofit, with income streams from government program funding (CEC EPIC, California Masonic Foundation), paid employer-partnered training programs (Rivian Technical Trades), free or subsidized workforce training for eligible participants (prioritizing environmental justice communities), and forward-looking testing and conformance service fees from the Capital Charge Yard. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: customers and trainees are reached through partnerships with nonprofits, educational institutions, and school districts; through direct employer partnerships for graduate placement; and through public demonstration events and policy conferences. Leadership comprises CEO Orville Thomas and a Board of Directors including Paul Lau, Simon Atkinson, Mary Joyce, Wally Hunter, and Barry Broome.

Name

Cal EPIC

Legal name

California Energy, Power, and Innovation Collaborative

Website

https://calepic.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cal EPIC is a Sacramento-based nonprofit advancing California's clean energy and EV workforce through hands-on training programs and the Capital Charge Yard, the state's first dedicated EV charger testing and interoperability laboratory, serving employers, students, and manufacturers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Sacramento

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Program Funding: Cal EPIC receives significant funding through the California Energy Commission's EPIC program (through 2030) and other government grants to operate EV charger testing facilities and workforce development programs. This includes the $4 million CEC grant for the Capital Charge Yard and $471,000 from the California Masonic Foundation.
2. Workforce Training Program Fees: The organization delivers paid training programs (e.g., 24-week Rivian Technical Trades Program at $24/hour) that combine classroom instruction with employer partnerships. Revenue is generated through training delivery, with some programs providing stipends to participants.
3. Testing and Conformance Services: The Capital Charge Yard will serve as a publicly accessible testing and demonstration facility where EV and charger manufacturers can validate interoperability, develop future charging standards, and explore V2G technologies for a fee.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Cal EPIC operates the Ramp Up Factory (25,000 sq ft) and Innovation Hub (33,000 sq ft) at the historic Sacramento Army Depot to deliver hands-on workforce training programs (EVSE technician, Rivian service technician, forklift, OSHA-10, solar installation, green careers) and is building the Capital Charge Yard, California's first dedicated EV charger testing and interoperability laboratory for manufacturers, regulators, and fleet operators.

Product overview

Cal EPIC (California Energy, Power, and Innovation Collaborative) is a Sacramento-based nonprofit that advances clean energy, transportation, and manufacturing innovation through applied research, testing, and workforce development. Operating from a 33,000-square-foot Innovation Hub at the historic Sacramento Army Depot, Cal EPIC offers the Ramp Up Factory as its central facility for hands-on training and innovation. The organization provides workforce training programs including the Rivian Technical Trades Training Program (a 24-week paid EV technician program), Forklift Certification Course for electric forklifts, Introduction to Jobs in Green Careers with OSHA-10 certification, and the mobile EPIC on the Road program. Additional offerings include IBT 200 Solar Installation Basics Training and STEM Kit instruction materials. The Capital Charge Yard represents a new EV charger testing and interoperability laboratory opening in 2026.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Rivian Technical Trades Training Program A 24-week paid EV technician training program ($24/hour) in partnership with Rivian Automotive. Participants complete 20 weeks of training at Cal EPIC's facility followed by 4 weeks at a Rivian Service Center, with expectation of full-time employment upon completion. Targets individuals seeking careers as EV service technicians.
• Forklift Certification Course – Counterbalance EV An electric forklift certification course where students learn to operate an all-electric forklift and earn certification by passing written and physical driving exams. For individuals entering warehouse, logistics, or material handling roles.
• Introduction to Jobs in Green Careers (with OSHA-10 Certification) A virtual introductory class covering current and emerging job opportunities in green careers, including EV mechanics, charging, energy storage, solar and wind energy, and hydrogen fuel cells, with two days of OSHA-10 training and certification included. For individuals exploring clean-energy career pathways.
• EPIC on the Road – Mobile Workforce Development Program A mobile workforce development program that brings hands-on, career-ready training in energy and transportation technology to partner organizations, schools, and community groups across eight counties. Serves under-resourced schools including six Sacramento City Unified School District high schools training 150+ students.
• IBT 200 Solar Installation Basics Training A 200-hour, five-week free training course (provided through Grid Alternatives) preparing participants for careers in solar installation through classroom instruction, hands-on lab activities, and real-world installation projects, with job readiness support upon graduation. Free for eligible participants, with priority for environmental justice communities.
• Capital Charge Yard EV Charger Testing & Interoperability Lab California's first publicly accessible EV charger testing and demonstration facility where EV and charger manufacturers can validate interoperability, develop future charging standards, and explore vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies. Includes lab-style conformance testing, real-world demonstrations, and hosts annual policy conferences. Funded through 2030 by the California Energy Commission.
• Ramp Up Factory (RUF) A 25,000-square-foot facility at the historic Sacramento Army Depot serving as the hub for hands-on training, innovation, research and development, equipment testing, and workforce development partnerships. Hosts the EVSE technician training, Rivian Technical Trades Program, and manufacturing and prototyping activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Training over 150 students at six under-resourced high schools through Sacramento City Unified School District partnership
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• CharIN (Charging Interface Initiative)coreTechnology or Integration · 29 January 2026CharIN is a global nonprofit association advancing standards-based and interoperable EV charging. They organize interoperability testing events involving vehicles, chargers, and test systems, and integrate their conformance testing framework providing standardized, repeatable, on-demand test cases and validation protocols for the Capital Charge Yard.
• KERI (Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute)coreTechnology or Integration · 29 January 2026KERI contributes proprietary technology and expertise from South Korea to test EV charger operation and conformity, drawing on its experience operating the Global Interoperability Testing Center (GiOTEC). KERI serves as lead planner for interoperability testing within the Capital Charge Yard.
• MomentumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2026Momentum supports the long-term, sustainable operation of the Capital Charge Yard beyond the California Energy Commission's catalytic funding period.
• Rivian AutomotiveflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2026Rivian provides industry support for the Capital Charge Yard and has a flagship partnership with Cal EPIC for the 24-week paid EV Technician Training Program. Graduates are expected to be hired as full-time Rivian Service Technicians.
• SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019SMUD is a founding partner of Cal EPIC and one of the nation's leading community-owned utilities. They help position Sacramento as a clean transportation hub by driving testing, funding, and commercialization of new mobility technologies while advancing sustainability, innovation, and a carbon-free future.
• Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Through partnership with GSEC, Cal EPIC supports positioning Sacramento as a global clean mobility hub. Together they attract companies, investment, and talent, aligning innovation with economic growth to strengthen sustainable industries and quality jobs.
• Sacramento StatecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Cal EPIC's partnership with Sacramento State bridges innovation and education by engaging faculty expertise and providing hands-on student opportunities. Together they prepare future clean mobility leaders while advancing the University's mission in research, workforce development, and sustainable technologies.
• UC DaviscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Cal EPIC's partnership with UC Davis accelerates innovation through research and education. They engage faculty expertise, university research centers, and hands-on student opportunities to prepare future leaders while advancing the University's mission in research, workforce development, and sustainable technologies.
• ChargePointminorOthersChargePoint provides industry support for the Capital Charge Yard EV charger testing facility.
• KempowerminorOthersKempower provides industry support for the Capital Charge Yard EV charger testing facility.
• NextrackerminorOthersNextracker provides industry support for the Capital Charge Yard EV charger testing facility.
• Sacramento City Unified School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEPIC on the Road program partners with Sacramento City Unified School District to train over 150 students at six under-resourced high schools through a 10-week training class in precision manufacturing and green-energy technologies.
• Vision Marine TechnologiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor for the Lake Berryessa Electric Boat Festival, produced in partnership with Sea Watts and California CORE, with Cal EPIC as a Gold sponsor connecting commercial operators with funding programs like the Carl Moyer Program.
• California COREminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCalifornia CORE is a production partner for the Lake Berryessa Electric Boat Festival, working with Cal EPIC as a Gold sponsor to connect commercial operators with funding programs for marine vessel adoption.
• Asian Resources Inc.minorOthersAsian Resources Inc. provides free or discounted services including gas cards, rental assistance, training scholarships, and resume support for clients enrolled in Cal EPIC programs.
• GoEducateminorOthersGoEducate provides AI-driven resume creation tools, career exploration resources, and direct connections with job opportunities through their GoResume platform for Cal EPIC community members and program participants.
• Women's EmpowermentminorOthersWomen's Empowerment is a Sacramento-based nonprofit partner providing a nine-week job readiness program, on-site childcare, paid job training opportunities, and housing assistance for women experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Grid AlternativescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrid Alternatives offers the IBT 200 Solar Installation Basics Training, a 200-hour, five-week training course preparing participants for solar installation careers, provided at no cost to eligible participants through Cal EPIC referrals.
• Community Resource ProjectminorOthersCommunity Resource Project provides utility assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), offering energy bill credits for income-eligible residents of Sacramento, Sutter, and Yuba Counties served by PG&E, SMUD, or alternative heating sources.
• Building Strong Academy (HBI)minorOthersBuilding Strong Academy is a free 9-week carpentry class provided through HBI that teaches basic skills necessary to enter the construction industry, offered as a resource for Cal EPIC participants.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Plug In America: National nonprofit advocacy organization for plug-in electric vehicles, promoting consumer adoption, policy support, and EV education. Adjacent—same clean transportation advocacy space but not a direct workforce or testing operator.
• Cypress Mandela Training Center: Oakland-based nonprofit providing pre-apprenticeship construction and building trades workforce training to underserved communities. Comparable as an equity-focused clean economy trades training nonprofit, but in construction rather than mobility.
• Clean Fuels Alliance America (formerly National Biodiesel Board): US trade association for biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel producers and users, providing advocacy, technical resources, and industry standards. Adjacent in clean transportation ecosystem but focused on alternative fuels rather than EV.

Direct peers

• GRID Alternatives: National nonprofit providing solar installation workforce training with explicit equity focus, partnering with Cal EPIC for solar training referrals. Comparable as a clean energy workforce development nonprofit serving under-resourced communities.
• CALSTART: California-based nonprofit consortium that accelerates clean transportation technology, including workforce development, technology demonstration, and industry partnerships. Closely comparable as a clean mobility-focused nonprofit serving manufacturers, fleets, and policymakers.
• ChargerHelp!: EV charger operations and maintenance company that also runs a workforce training program (Connected Careers Pathway) to place underrepresented talent into EV infrastructure jobs. Comparable as an EV charger services company building the EVSE technician pipeline.
• Veloz: California-based public-private clean transportation education and advocacy nonprofit convening automakers, utilities, and policy leaders. Comparable as a California clean mobility ecosystem convener with EV education focus.
• Forth (formerly Drive Oregon): Pacific Northwest nonprofit advancing equitable, clean transportation through policy advocacy, demonstration projects, and workforce programming. Comparable to Cal EPIC in combining clean mobility advocacy with workforce and community programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/california-mobility-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cal EPIC