SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board is set to launch a new pilot program that aims to help small trucking fleets make the transition to zero-emission technologies.

The Innovative Small e-Fleet pilot will focus on privately owned and nonprofit trucking fleets with 20 or fewer trucks and less than $15 million in annual revenue. The pilot will provide $25 million to implement a range of innovative solutions to help small fleets make the transition to zero-emissions. These will include flexible financing, short-term rentals, and full-service leases, such as all-inclusive truck-as-a-service options with enhanced incentives and fueling support. The pilot is within the larger Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP).

Small fleets and owner-operators have often faced multiple barriers to zero-emission truck adoption, such as high upfront costs, limited financing, and complex planning for charging. By dedicating this set-aside funding for small fleets, HVIP can position itself to better understand the specific needs of this traditionally underserved group and support their transition to zero-emission ahead of the upcoming Advanced Clean Fleets (//ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/advanced-clean-fleets) rule.

Informational webinars

Small fleets will work with a CARB- and HVIP administrator-approved provider to request a voucher. Dealers and their financing partners, leasing and rental companies, or truck-as-a-service providers can serve as providers.

Providers and dealers who are interested in offering assistance through the new Innovative Small e-Fleet pilot to their small fleet customers are invited to attend a webinar (https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Cf8Nsnx4Ql-HKGW0RHYIGg) for dealers and providers set for July 20. Shortly after the webinar, the Provider Eligibility Application (https://californiahvip.org/purchasers/#isef) will be available online.

Interested fleets are invited to attend an informational session (https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2mTAQhaaSY2DwxH0vg-KDw) about this new pilot program on August 2. This is in advance of the formal launch of the program at 1 p.m. on August 31 when the program will open for voucher requests from eligible small fleets.

About HVIP

Launched by CARB in 2009, HVIP, which provides point-of-sale vouchers for the purchase of zero-emission trucks and buses, plays a crucial role in the deployment of zero-emission and near-zero-emission technologies.

HVIP (https://californiahvip.org) and the Innovative Small e-Fleets program are both part of California Climate Investments (https://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov), a statewide initiative that puts cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities with greater economic and environmental challenges.