The second year of grants for hybrid vehicle technology has been initiated by the California Air Resources Board with $19million devoted to the Hybrid Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Programme.
Vouchers are offered on a first-come, first served basis with the aim of helping California’s fleets lower their emissions. At least $2million is set aside for California public fleets with both public and private fleets able to reserve a voucher for up to $40,000 through a participating dealership.
Last year the Air Resources Board provided around $20million to assist Californian fleets in the purchase of more than 650 hybrid trucks and buses with almost half the vouchers going to urban beverage delivery vehicles and around 20 per cent for package delivery vehicles. The programme received an award in September 2010 as the country’s top emerging state energy efficiency programme.
