Air Resources Board has initiated a second year of grants totaling $19 million for hybrid vehicle technology. The Hybrid Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program will provide vouchers to help California fleets purchase fuel-efficient hybrid trucks.
At least $2 million of these funds will be set aside for California public fleets to increase the number of hybrid vehicles.

"This program created an opportunity for California businesses to upgrade their trucks and proves that there is demand for technology that provides clean and fuel efficient vehicles," said ARB Executive Officer James Goldstene.

Interested public and private fleets can reserve a voucher for up to $40,000 through a participating dealership at the time the vehicle is ordered. The voucher is redeemed at the time of purchase. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program is part of the Air Quality Improvement Program, established in 2007 by AB 118 (Nunez) to provide funding for advanced technology vehicles and equipment. ARB's voucher program is implemented by CALSTART, a non-profit organization that works with business, fleets and government to develop and implement clean, efficient transportation solutions.

Last year, ARB provided almost $20 million to help California fleets purchase over 650 hybrid trucks and buses. Almost half the vouchers were for urban beverage-delivery vehicles and about 20 percent for package-delivery vehicles.

For more information regarding the voucher incentive program that details a full list of eligible vehicles and more, visit www.californiahvip.com.