CARB $179M heavy

posted by AJOT | Aug 29 2023 at 11:58 AM | Logistics | Ports & Terminals

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) opened its Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) on July 18, providing point-of-sale discounts on zero-emission off-road equipment. CALSTART administers the project and held $179M in available monies at the funding lane’s launch. Originally intended only for freight-handling equipment, CORE has expanded since its initial offering to include funding for agriculture and construction equipment, among others.

In the weeks that the funding lane has been open, $75.7M of the initial $179 million has already been claimed by early applicants, with the terminal tractor, transport refrigeration unit, and mobile power unit equipment categories now oversubscribed and no longer available for incentives. However, there are still incentive funds available for several other CORE equipment categories, including construction and agriculture equipment; those interested are encouraged to apply quickly before those categories also become oversubscribed or all funds are accounted for.

The CORE project works to accelerate the adoption of clean off-road vehicles and equipment by providing funding incentives to offset the initial purchase price of zero-emission technology. CORE promotes the use of zero-emission vehicles and equipment over internal combustion options, seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric pollutants, particularly in severely impacted areas; highlight the availability and resilience of zero-emission technology; and provide other off-road sector benefits, including technology transferability, reduced component costs, and increased infrastructure investments.

The application process has been optimized to make participation easy. CORE’s key elements include:

“The path toward clean air means ensuring that off-road equipment used in different industries, from ports to agriculture, construction, and others, transitions to zero emissions,” said Peter Christensen, Chief of CARB’s Innovative Strategies Branch. “CARB’s CORE project makes it possible for these industries to make the switch and do their part to reduce emissions that impact their workers and the communities that they serve.”

“There are many businesses in California that operate primarily or completely in off-road areas that want to make the transition to zero-emission equipment. It’s better for the environment, employee health, and customer satisfaction,” said Jacob Whitson, CORE Program Manager, CALSTART. “CORE’s mission is to assist these businesses in making the transition. Helping off-road businesses get a leg up in adopting zero-emission equipment is good for them, their communities, and the environment.”

CORE targets off-road equipment that has not yet achieved a significant foothold in the commercial market, and currently supports the following equipment categories:

CORE has committed 2100 vouchers for equipment and electric vehicle supply equipment, totaling over $249 million, with terminal tractors and mobile power units being the most requested equipment type.