The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has launched a new $40 million program designed to accelerate the purchase and use of zero-emission off-road freight technologies.
The Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) will feature a streamlined voucher process for buyers to receive funding that will offset the higher costs of cleaner equipment such as terminal tractors, transport refrigeration units, cargo-handling equipment and more.
“Forward-thinking, savvy business owners will want to take advantage of CORE because it will enable them to replace their dirty older equipment and get the cleanest, most advanced models available for about the same price as the diesel- or gas-powered version. The result is equipment that saves businesses on fuel costs and has zero tailpipe emissions – a winner for the pocketbook and the community,” says Richard W. Corey, CARB executive officer.
Under the CORE program, a business owner could receive $180,000 to cover the difference between a zero-emission and diesel-powered tractor. The program also encourages the deployment of cleaner technology in disadvantaged communities by providing up to 10% higher incentives for zero-emission equipment that will be used in these areas. Awards cannot exceed $500,000 per piece of equipment.
CORE is based on California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), which is helping to facilitate and commercialize use of cleaner on-road technologies by transit agencies throughout the state. From its inception in 2009, more than $447 million has been allocated to HVIP.
CALSTART, which administers HVIP, was recently awarded a contract to administer the CORE program, as well. Both programs are funded by California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts cap-and-trade dollars to work in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.
To obtain CORE discounts, business owners will work with CORE-approved dealers to choose the appropriate equipment. Buyers will receive the discount at the point of sale. The dealer then submits a CORE voucher request form on behalf of the buyer and is reimbursed once all required paperwork is provided and the new equipment is delivered to the buyer. Funds for the new program are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
CORE funding is expected to be available before the end of the year.
