26 WESTERN PALLET
Government Funding for Low Emission Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure
Some government programs in the U.S. offer support for the purchase of zero-emission commercial vehicles or to help build refueling infrasture. Funding is limited and application timing can be an issue. Here are some of the US and California programs available:
EPA Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program: The Inflation Reduction Act invests $1 billion to replace dirty heavy-duty vehicles with clean, zero-emission vehicles, support zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and to train and develop workers. EPA will be distributing this $1 billion in funding for clean heavy-duty vehicles between now and 2031. It will be offering grants and/or rebates to eligible recipients to replace existing heavy-duty vehicles with clean, zero-emission vehicles.
Department of Energy (DOE) Projects: The DOE has announced funding to develop zero-emission vehicle corridors and expand the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the U.S. These projects aim to decarbonize medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, focusing on electrification plans for key freight corridors in various regions, including Northern and Southern California, the Eastern Seaboard, the Northeast, Southwest, and Midwest.
California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP): The project crucial role in the deployment of zero-emission and near-zero-emission technologies. HVIP accelerates commercialization by providing point-of-sale vouchers to make advanced vehicles more affordable. Started in 2009, the program has funded over 12,000 vehicles and over 2,000 fleets, providing an average per-vehicle saving of 21%.
California Air Resources Board (CARB) Funding Plan: CARB has allocated almost $624 million for incentive programs aiding the transition to zero-emission vehicles, including $14.3 million for a financing assistance program that targets operators and owners of small fleets and $14.3 million in vouchers for zero-emission off-road equipment, such as cargo-handling or construction equipment.
The Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust: The Trust provides about $423 million for California to mitigate the excess nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions caused by VW's use of illegal emissions testing defeat devices in certain VW diesel vehicles. Five categories of vehicles and equipment are eligible for funding, including Class 8 freight vehicles.
Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program: The Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program (Carl Moyer Program) provides grant funding for cleaner-than-required engines, equipment, and other sources of air pollution. The Carl Moyer Program is implemented as a partnership between CARB and California’s 35 local air districts.
Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE): The CORE Project offers financial support for zero emission freight and other heavy-duty off-road equipment, including large forklifts and terminal tractors. Individual equipment types have been grouped into 11 funding categories to promote the broad application of CORE Project funding.
22 WESTERN PALLET