CALSTART Media Contact: Jennifer Smith, jsmith@calstart.org

PASADENA, CA — CALSTART, a clean transportation nonprofit, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are thrilled to announce that the California Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) has surpassed $1 billion in state funding redeemed to support the deployment of zero-emission and other eligible clean vehicle technologies. CALSTART, which administers HVIP on behalf of CARB, has supported more than 2,000 fleets in deploying 11,600 clean medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that have driven over 181 million cleaner-air miles.

HVIP is a first-of-its-kind incentive program in the U.S. aimed at reducing the incremental cost of clean commercial vehicles, and since its inception in 2009, the project has resulted in emissions reductions of nearly 1.5 million metrics tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and over 2,200 tons of oxides of nitrogen. This achievement marks a momentous milestone for the project, symbolizing that HVIP remains steadfast in California’s efforts to achieve its clean air and climate change goals and showing the program is successful in deploying zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles despite strong political headwinds from the current federal administration.

CARB’s Chair, Lauren Sanchez, shared her view on this achievement:

“Reaching $1 billion in HVIP voucher redemptions marks a major milestone for California. It underscores that clean trucks and buses are delivering real results — improving air quality, supporting businesses, and reducing pollution in communities disproportionately impacted by freight and transportation emissions. HVIP is helping ensure the transition to zero-emission transportation delivers benefits to Californians where they matter most.”

CALSTART’s CEO, Michael Berube, also issued the following statement in applause:

“With more than $1 billion dollars redeemed in vouchers through California’s HVIP since its launch, the project is a resounding success. This is more than a financial milestone — it’s a signal of industrial transformation. It means companies are investing, supply chains are expanding, and jobs are being created in the clean transportation economy. Importantly, it also demonstrates that zero-emission technologies are scaling, and the market is both ripe and ready.”

Project Background:

Launched in 2009 by CARB and part of the California Climate Investments — which uses billions of Cap-and-Invest revenue to support clean transportation, including the purchase of clean trucks and buses — California HVIP offers fleets and independent owner-operators a wide array of vouchers for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Small trucking fleet options are also available through the Innovative Small e-Fleet set-aside. HVIP funds remain available, and fleets are encouraged to apply through participating dealers.

As federal clean transportation incentives are prematurely cut, California continues to engage to meet the needs of all fleets. Last August, California state agencies published a report in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order on zero-emission vehicle deployment; the report details actions in six areas, including incentives, and emphasizes delivering benefits to communities who suffer from the highest levels of air pollution in the state.

Today, HVIP plays an even greater role in ensuring fleets continue to make progress in the transition to zero-emission trucks at this pivotal moment, and continues to be instrumental in advancing the deployment of zero-emission technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by traditional trucks and buses in local communities across the Golden State.

To hear how California HVIP funds are making a difference, watch our latest Spotlight on Success video with 4Gen Logistics and read what fleets are saying about HVIP:

“HVIP vouchers have helped our customers try before they buy. Many of the fleets that started with just one voucher are now expanding their electric operations nationwide,” said Paul Gioupis, CEO, Zeem Solutions.

“I’d tell anyone considering HVIP: It’s worth it. The process was easy, the support was great, and the benefits are immediate. You save money, your drivers are happier, and you’re helping move the industry forward,” said Abel Aranda, Arandateam Delivery, Inc., FedEx Ground Service Provider.

“The fact that we’re buying 61 more trucks, and another 20 after that, shows how strongly we believe in this transition. HVIP played a critical role in helping us take that first leap,” said Brady Matoian, CEO, OK Produce.

According to the Voucher Map, four Southern California counties: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, and San Diego have redeemed the most vouchers since the project’s inception, with many of the vouchers used for zero-emission battery-electric vehicle purchases. These four counties together account for 62 percent of all redeemed vouchers. Adoption efforts can be supported by additional outreach to fleet owner-operators and partnerships with community-based organizations. Entities like community groups, truck and bus dealers, vehicle manufacturers, and other groups that would like to collaborate with the project can get in touch with the California HVIP team at info@californiahvip.org.

Customers interested in using HVIP to help them go zero, but who are unsure which vehicles to buy, can approach Cal Fleet Advisor, a no-cost advisory service for fleet technical assistance to help purchasers choose the right zero-emission vehicles for their business needs.

About CARB

CARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards.

About California Climate Investments 

California HVIP is part of California Climate Investments, which uses billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to fund projects that reduce harmful emissions, protect public health, strengthen local economies, and support natural environments. With a strong focus on communities most impacted by pollution and limited access to resources, California Climate Investments helps build a more equitable and sustainable future.

About CALSTART

CALSTART brings the clean transportation industry together to accelerate innovation and grow the market. Bridging government and industry with support from our members and partners, we scale affordable clean transportation options that cut air pollution and curb climate change.