PASADENA, CA--(Marketwire - January 12, 2011) - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has selected CALSTART for the second year in a row to manage the nation's largest incentive program for both hybrid and all electric trucks and buses. Last year's program resulted in the purchase of more than 650 hybrid trucks in California.
The ARB Hybrid Vehicle Incentive Program (HVIP), initiated in late 2009, is the most significant program nationally that encourages fleet operators to purchase hybrid trucks instead of conventional ones. Depending on the duty cycle, a hybrid truck can reduce fuel and harmful emissions by 20 to 50 percent.
"CALSTART, in partnership with TIAX, is proud to implement this groundbreaking project on behalf of the California Air Resources Board. This program is playing a critical role in helping to jump-start the hybrid truck sector," said John Boesel, CALSTART President and CEO.
The HVIP incentives cuts about half of the incremental cost of purchasing hybrid heavy-duty trucks and buses, helping owners buy this cleaner new technology when production volumes are still low, and prices high.
The 2011 HVIP is being expanded to include more eligible vehicles, including electric trucks and buses. Within the past year, a number of manufacturers, some located in California, have begun selling all electric trucks. Many of the all electric trucks tend to be on the lighter side and are often used by the package and delivery industry. In contrast, last year, almost half of the hybrids were Class 8 trucks (which are some the biggest of the big rigs.)
In 2010, despite significantly lower over-all truck sales, CALSTART was able to secure commitments for more than $19 million in incentives (the form of the rebate) for the 650 trucks in less than six months, growing the nation's hybrid truck fleet by more than 20 percent. Fleets throughout California continue to benefit from the HVIP program, including the San Francisco Food Bank, whose hybrid truck fuel savings is being used to buy more food for its neediest clients.
About CALSTART
CALSTART is the only organization working nationally to foster the rapid growth of the entire clean transportation technology industry. Building on its strong base of knowledge and operations in California, CALSTART serves as a catalyst for the comprehensive clean transportation industry as a way to create more jobs, clean the air, make the country more secure, and reduce the threat of global warming. CALSTART manages leading edge technology programs while providing value-added services to its 130 member companies and consulting clients. For more information visit: www.calstart.org.
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Mary Kathryn Campbell
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