Does the high cost of zero-emission vehicles keep you from greening your fleet? In California, you don’t have to wait for plug-in and fuel-cell electric vehicle prices to drop. Incentives up to $15,000 per vehicle are now available for public agencies from a newly established rebate program.
The Public Fleet Pilot Project, a portion of the California Air Resources Board’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, provides increased incentives for fleets in California’s most vulnerable and pollution-burdened communities. This support for vehicle purchases allows public agencies with limited resources to access the most advanced technology, according to the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), administrators of the pilot project.
Financial Benefits Beyond Incentives
“While electric vehicles may come with a higher up-front cost, they offer significant reductions in emissions as well as lower ownership costs,” said Colin Santulli, CSE’s senior transportation manager. “Besides the environmental and public health benefits, many fleet operators have found the financial benefits of lower fuel costs and savings on repairs and maintenance as ample reasons to go electric.”
Public agencies can apply for 30 rebates per year for new vehicle purchases. More than 20 light-duty zero-emission vehicles are eligible. Rebate amounts are
- Fuel-cell electric vehicles – $15,000
- All-battery or range-extended electric vehicles – $10,000
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle – $5,250
Vehicles must be purchased new and based in a designated disadvantaged community. Leased vehicles are not eligible for increased rebates. Public agencies can apply to reserve rebate funds prior to vehicle delivery, as long as delivery is expected within six months of application. Vehicles purchased after July 1, 2014, are eligible for the current year’s funding.
Eligibility and More Online
Fleet operators can visit www.energycenter.org/pfp1 and enter their ZIP code to determine eligibility for increased rebates. If your agency does not qualify, you are still eligible for standard Clean Vehicle Rebate Project rebates of up to $5,000 for fleet vehicles.