Greening a fleet can be a daunting prospect, but as fuel prices continue to rise, the opportunity to save money has increased. Funding is now available in California through the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). Similar programs may be coming soon to other parts of the country, including New York State.

HVIP is designed to offset about half of the additional cost of eligible vehicles, including hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Funding is available to both public and private fleets.

Several of the nation’s largest fleets, including Frito-Lay/PepsiCo and UPS have taken advantage of the program. Examples of hybrid products being offered include Freightliner, FCCC, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Hino, Altec, Autocar and Thomas Built.  Current electric vehicle offerings include Smith Electric, EVI, and Boulder Electric.

Vouchers range from $8,000 to $55,000 per vehicle, depending on the vehicle size, model, and the total number of vehicles purchased. Vehicles that are domiciled in the San Joaquin Valley are eligible for up to another $30,000 in additional plus-up voucher funding on top of the HVIP funds. These vehicles can realize up to $85,000 in total HVIP funding per vehicle. Approved voucher amounts are deducted right at the time of purchase so there is no lengthy paperwork or wait times.

Now in its third year, the program is administered and implemented through a partnership between the California Air Resources Board and CALSTART, a clean transportation technology and fuels consortium. To date, over $28 million has been delivered through the program, and over 1,200 hybrid and electric vehicles have been delivered. Approximately $12 million in funding is still available.