California Air Resources Board

Program Goals

California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) plays a crucial role in the deployment of zero-emission and near-zero-emission technologies. HVIP accelerates commercialization by providing point-of-sale vouchers to make advanced medium- and heavy-duty vehicles more affordable. Launched by the California Air Resources Board in 2009, the project is part of California Climate Investments. HVIP is the earliest model in the U.S. to demonstrate the function, flexibility, and effectiveness of first-come first-served incentives that reduce the incremental cost of commercial vehicles.  

Guiding Legislation/Policy Drivers

HVIP is a unique project in the CARB portfolio that supports the cleanest available on-road advanced technologies with higher upfront costs, providing the bridge between demonstrations and pilots to scrap-and-replace incentive programs. The fleet friendly nature of HVIP and ease of use also makes it an ideal incentive program to support fleets with limited resources. HVIP maintains a focus on supporting more equitable investments while recognizing the important role of larger fleets in supporting market momentum.  

HVIP will continue to support the statutory requirements of SB 1204, SB 1403, and AB 2285 by prioritizing funds for early commercial clean heavy-duty vehicles. HVIP funding policies ensure that at least 20 percent of Low Carbon Transportation truck funding supports early commercial deployment of zero- and near zero-emission heavy-duty truck and bus technology.  

HVIP guiding principles were approved in the FY 2020-21 Funding Plan and modified in the FY 2021-22 Funding Plan. They are designed to not be strictly interpreted, but rather reflect values that would be factored into decision making. HVIP’s guiding principles are as follows:  

• Accelerate market transformation for the cleanest advanced technologies.
• Support the goals laid out in CARB’s Long-Term Heavy-Duty Investment Strategy.
• Drive purchase decisions.
• Maintain simplicity and a fleet-friendly process.
• Support CARB regulatory programs.
• Avoid market disruptions caused by unpredictable funding availability.
• Graduate established technologies.
• Support more equitable investments.

These guiding principles will be carried forward into each subsequent Funding Plan and modified as needed. Proposed policy changes undergo public comment and review, typically during the summer months, and are included in the annual Funding Plan. Board approval of the most recent FY 2024-25 Funding Plan occurred in November 2024. Policy changes are reflected in the current HVIP Implementation Manual.

Recent Project Policy Changes

As demand for HVIP has increased dramatically in recent years, staff continues to adapt and consider policy changes to amplify the impacts of funding and support more equitable investments. Large fleet eligibility and revised voucher amounts are anticipated to coincide with new voucher funding availability planned for early September 2025.