California Funding Small Fleets Transitioning to Zero-Emission

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently announced a new initiative to encourage small fleets to make the transition to zero-emission trucks. 

The Innovative Small E-Fleet program is open to privately owned and nonprofit trucking fleets of 20 or fewer vehicles with an annual revenue of less than $15 million, with $25 million allotted for distribution, according to a release. 

The money for the project was set aside within the state’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP). 

CARB, with its forthcoming Advanced Clean Fleets Rule, will require zero-emission truck fleets by 2045. Although the Advanced Clean Fleets Rule targets larger fleets, this funding initiative is intended to help smaller fleets transition to zero-emission vehicles. 

The funding is intended to cover costs related to the purchase and operation of the zero-emission trucks. The release notes the high up-front costs of switching to these trucks, with this initiative meant to help fleets overcome that possible barrier. 

Fleets will work with an “approved provider” to apply for vouchers under the project.