California Air Resources Board

Explore these steps to learn the basics of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), understand your fleet’s needs, find funding opportunities, and plan for charging or fueling your vehicles. For more hands-on help, call Cal Fleet Advisor for free help specific to your fleet. 

1. Learn the basics about zero-emission vehicles

Zero-emission vehicles or ZEVs include battery-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. If you're new to these technologies, start by exploring the links below to learn useful terms about ZEVs, charging and fueling, and incentives. 

Resources:

• ZEV 101 – Learn the basics about ZEVs, charging and fueling.
• Charging and Fueling – Learn about charging and fueling and how to get started.
• Incentives & Funding – Explore available incentives and funding.
• Drive Forward ZEV Showcase + Ride & Drives – Find an upcoming in-person event to test drive ZEVs and talk to experts.
• Cal Fleet Advisor – Get free support to answer your questions about adding ZEVs to your fleet.

2. Identify your fleet needs and identify your team

Answer the questions below to help you choose the right zero-emission vehicles and determine the charging or fueling equipment your fleet will need.

• How many miles does the vehicle travel each day?
• Are trips mostly local or long-distance?
• When and where is the vehicle parked or not in use?
• Does the vehicle return to a yard or depot at the end of each shift?

It's also helpful to involve key partners early in the planning process. Your fleet manager, utility, vehicle and charging equipment providers, consultants, and local permitting agencies can help you identify solutions, avoid delays, and make the planning process smoother.

Resources:

• Cal Fleet Advisor – Free support to answer your questions about adding ZEVs to your fleet.
• Cal Fleet Advisor (Video Introduction) – Introduction to Cal Fleet Advisor and the services they offer.

3. Explore charging and fueling

For battery-electric vehicles you can install chargers at your facility, use public charging stations, or choose a service that manages charging for you. Services such as Charging-as-a-Service or Truck-as-a-Service provide bundled services and support for a monthly fee that can reduce the need to own and manage your own charging, and even the vehicles. 

For hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, you can fuel vehicles at public or private hydrogen stations or with mobile fueling equipment. 

Resources:

• Charging and Fueling – Learn about charging and fueling and how to get started.

4. Choose the right vehicles

There are more available zero-emission trucks and vans than ever before.  As seen in the resources provided below, there are more than 150 Class 2b–8 ZEV models commercially available in North America.

Many fleets drive less than 100 miles each day, which is well within the range of many zero-emission vehicles. In fact, many models can travel 150 to more than 300 miles on a full charge, making them a good fit for a wide variety of fleet operations.

Resources:

• Find Zero-emission Vehicles – Resources to find ZEVs available in California and beyond. 

5. Plan for financing, insurance and apply for incentives

Plan for upfront costs for your vehicles, charging, and insurance. Incentive programs, such as the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), can help reduce the cost of purchasing zero-emission vehicles. You may also be able to earn Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits to help lower your overall operating costs and total cost of ownership.

Resources:

• Incentives & Funding – Find available incentives and how to apply.
• Insurance Resources for Zero-Emission Trucks – Resources and information about getting insurance for your ZEVs.

6. Train drivers and maintenance staff 

Many drivers find zero-emission trucks quieter, smoother, and easier to drive than diesel vehicles. To get the best performance and range, drivers should receive basic training. For example, using regenerative braking by slowing down gradually and pre-conditioning the cab before driving can help maximize vehicle range. Most vehicle manufacturers offer driver training and support. Zero-emission vehicles also have fewer moving parts, so maintenance staff often spend less time on routine maintenance.

Resources:

• Clean Cities and Communities: Find a Clean Cities Coalition in your area for training and support for zero-emission fleets.

8. Take advantage of telematics

Telematics collect data from vehicles and charging equipment to help fleets improve operations. Fleet managers can use this data to monitor energy use, charging, vehicle performance, maintenance needs, and driving habits. The information can help improve routes, reduce downtime, lower costs, and get the most from zero-emission vehicles as fleets grow. Ask your dealer if they have more information or if they offer guidance about telematics on their vehicles.