The California Air Resources Board on Tuesday, Feb. 15, initiated the second year of grants totaling $19 million for hybrid vehicle technology to address smog-forming and greenhouse gas emissions. The Hybrid Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program will provide vouchers on a first-come first-served basis to help California fleets purchase fuel-efficient hybrid medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
At least $2 million of these funds will be set aside for California public fleets to increase the number of hybrid vehicles. Interested public and private fleets can reserve a voucher for up to $40,000 through a participating dealership at the time the vehicle is ordered. The voucher then is redeemed at the time of purchase.
The program is part of the Air Quality Improvement Program established in 2007 to provide funding for advanced technology vehicles and equipment. CARB’s voucher program is implemented by Calstart, a nonprofit organization that works with business, fleets and government to develop and implement clean, efficient transportation solutions. “This program created an opportunity for California businesses to upgrade their trucks and proves that there is demand for technology that provides clean and fuel efficient vehicles,” says James Goldstene, CARB executive officer.
Last year, CARB provided almost $20 million to help California fleets purchase more than 650 hybrid trucks and buses. Almost half the vouchers were for urban beverage-delivery vehicles and about 20 percent for package-delivery vehicles. For more information regarding the voucher incentive program that details a full list of
eligible vehicles and more, go to www.californiahvip.com.
