Kenworth Truck and Peterbilt Motors say they've qualified several hybrid-powertrain models for federal tax rebates that can speed payback of the vehicles' higher purchase costs.
The trucks, which use Eaton electric-drive systems
and save up to 35 percent in fuel, should appear on the Internal Revenue Service's list of "certified" hybrid trucks eligible for tax rebates of $6,000 to $12,000 each.
Meanwhile, the IRS said that rebates are available to all purchasers of new hybrid trucks that meet criteria outlined in the agency's rules and federal law, not just those on its certified list. The certification program is an option that "provides a level of assurance" to prospective buyers that the vehicles will qualify for rebates, said IRS spokesman Eric Smith. Manufacturers may apply to the IRS for certification, and can tell prospective customers of the vehicles' qualification.
Kenworth said it certified its Class 6 T270 and Class 7 T370 hybrids in utility-boom and pickup and delivery versions, while Peterbilt said its Class 6 Model 330 and Class 7 Model 335, also equipped for utility and P&D applications, are certified. Certification was done jointly through Paccar Inc., the builders' corporate parent.
The medium-duty trucks use Paccar PX 6 diesels and Eaton electric systems, and are available for order now.
A Class 6 hybrid truck qualifies for a rebate of $6,000 and a Class 7 hybrid can earn a $12,000 tax credit, the builders said. Buyers would apply for rebates for the tax years in which they acquired the trucks. Purchases must be made between Jan. 1, 2007, and Dec. 31, 2009. To qualify, the trucks must meet performance standards and other criteria under the Clean Air Act of 2005 and IRS rules.
The IRS lists the rules in its Notice 2007-46 at www.irs.gov/irb/2007-23_IRB/ar08.html.
The Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks were not on the IRS list of qualified vehicles, at www.irs.gov/businesses/article/0,,id=175456,00.html, as of Feb. 21, but should soon be, the builders said.