Alternative Fuel Truck Grants up for Grabs in California

In partnership with the California Air Resources Board, local air district agencies are currently accepting applications for alternative fuel truck grants under the state’s Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program.

Established under Proposition 1B, passed in 2006, the program aims to reduce air pollution emissions and health risk from freight movement along California’s trade corridors, which include the Los Angeles/Inland Empire, Central Valley, Bar Area, and San Diego/Border regions (see map). The deadline for this latest bout of funding, dubbed the Year 5 round, is Nov. 20.

One of the program’s main goals is to help offset the costs of replacing old diesel trucks operating in the corridors with new, cleaner models. According to the program guidelines, the following funding opportunities are available:

Class 8 or Class 7 truck(s) with a model-year (MY) 2009 or older diesel engine:

– $200,000/truck for a new zero-emission replacement truck with a MY 2015 or newer engine.

– $150,000/truck for a new hybrid replacement truck capable of zero-emission miles with a MY 2015 or newer engine.

– $100,000/truck for a new optional low-NOx replacement truck with a MY 2015 or newer engine (0.02 g/bhp-hr or less NOx).

– $80,000/truck for a new hybrid replacement truck with a MY 2015 or newer engine.

– $65,000/truck for a new natural gas replacement truck with a MY 2015 or newer engine.

Class 6 truck(s) with a model-year 1998 to 2009 diesel engine:

– $100,000/truck for a new zero-emission replacement truck with a MY 2015 or newer engine.

– $65,000/truck for a new hybrid replacement truck capable of zero-emission miles with a MY 2015 or newer engine.

– $50,000/truck for a new optional low-NOx replacement truck with a MY 2015 or newer engine (0.02 g/bhp-hr or less NOx).

– $45,000/truck for a new hybrid replacement truck with a MY 2015 or newer engine.

– $40,000/truck for a new natural gas replacement truck with a MY2015 or newer engine.

The guidelines say eligibility requirements include a commitment to move goods a majority of the time and a commitment to at least 50% of travel within the four California trade corridors. Furthermore, the equipment owner must demonstrate at least 75% operation within California for the past two years and have maintained a California base-plated registration or California International Registration Plan over the same time period.

Funding is also available for electric charging stations, hydrogen fueling units, and infrastructure needed for zero-emission transport refrigeration units. More information about the program and funding opportunities is available here.