The California Air Resources Board (ARB) created the Hybrid Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) to speed the market penetration of low-emitting hybrid trucks and buses, and they funded it to the tune of $20 million for FY 2010.  The bad news is that it’s out of funds.  The good news is there’s even more money available next year. 

Funding for the popular CALSTART managed HVIP program was designated for reducing the cost of truck and bus fleets that are operated in the state of California.  Eligible applicants can be awarded up to $45,000 and funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.  The voucher is intended to reduce about half the incremental costs of purchasing hybrid heavy-duty trucks and buses.   The funds were depleted to zero in late August but outstanding voucher requests are still being processed. A waiting list is in the offing. Check at californiahvip.org for details.

Hybrid trucks and buses have been shown in testing to reduce both greenhouse gases and fuel use by 20-50 percent, depending on the vehicle and its application. Some hybrids are showing even greater reductions, especially when combining reductions from turning off the engine at work sites and at stops, incorporating advanced designs, and including low-carbon fuels. Hybrids also further reduce criteria (smog-causing) emissions beyond the level of the certified engine in the vehicle (on a gram/mile basis). ARB estimates this reduction at 25 percent.

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