The Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) now provides point-of-sale discounts on zero-emission off-road construction equipment. CALSTART administers the $179-million project for the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Since the funding lane opened on July 18, $75.7 million has 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. There are still incentive funds available for equipment categories including construction equipment; those interested are encouraged to apply quickly before those categories also become oversubscribed or all funds are accounted for.
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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.
CORE’s key elements include:
- Vouchers for point-of-sale discounts on zero-emission off-road equipment, up to a maximum of $1,000,000 per voucher, for qualified participants
- Applicants are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis
- There is no requirement to scrap, sell, or retire existing equipment
- Voucher enhancements are for charging/refueling infrastructure, equipment operated in disadvantaged communities, and small businesses
- Additional funding is available through the EnergIIZE project.
“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, in a statement. “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.”
Said Jacob Whitson, CORE program manager, CALSTART, in a statement:
“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. 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.”
Source: CALSTART
