The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved $2,604,000 in funding that is aimed at deploying a larger number of natural-gas-powered buses and trucks in the state. This new round of funding is anticipated to support the roll-out of more than 125 new vehicles.

The CEC's buy-down incentives are reserved in blocks for vehicle manufacturers or their dealers, and the incentives are passed on to buyers in California at the time of sale. To receive the incentives, purchasers must agree to register and operate these alternative-fueled vehicles in California at least 90% of the time for three years.

The funding is being directed to the following companies:

• Tom's Truck Center is being awarded $400,000 for 20 vehicles in the 14,001 to 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) range. The vehicles are manufactured by Anaheim-based Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc.

• Nations Bus Corp. is receiving $320,000 for 16 vehicles built by Krystal Enterprises, based in Brea, Calif. These vehicles are in the 14,001 to 26,000 pounds GVW range. Nations Bus is also getting $280,000 for 14 vehicles manufactured by Champion Bus Inc. in the 14,001 to 26,000 pounds GVW range.

• Daimler Trucks North America LLC is receiving $884,000 for 34 vehicles in the 26,001 pounds and greater GVW range. Daimler is the manufacturer of these vehicles.

• West Coast Bus Sales Inc. has been awarded a total incentive reservation of $280,000 for vehicles built by Tiffany Coachworks Corp., based in Corona, Calif.: $80,000 for 10 vehicles in the 8,501 to 14,000 pounds GVW range; and $200,000 for 10 vehicles in the 14,001 to 26,000 pounds GVW range. West Coast Bus Sales is also receiving total incentives of $440,000 for vehicles manufactured by Federal Coach Corp.: $40,000 for five vehicles in the 8,501 to 14,000 pounds GVW range; and $400,000 for 20 vehicles in the 14,001 to 26,000 pounds GVW range.

More information about the program can be found HERE.