California is considering a Used Truck Voucher Pilot Program as a potential strategy to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and support the state’s long-term air quality goals. On Friday, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) formally requested information on the development of this pilot program, which could serve as a financial incentive for small fleet operators to transition to cleaner vehicles.
The Role of Incentives in California’s Emission Goals
CARB’s initiative aligns with the 2022 State Strategy for the State Implementation Plan (SIP), which emphasizes that incentives will play a key role in meeting California’s air quality targets. While the state has already established programs such as the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP)—which funds new vehicle purchases—there is currently no direct financial assistance for used ZEV purchases. The proposed Used Truck Voucher Pilot could address this gap by creating a more affordable secondary market for ZEVs, making them more accessible to small fleets.
Addressing Small Fleet Challenges
Small fleet operators often rely on used vehicles rather than purchasing new ones due to cost considerations. CARB recognizes that as the zero-emission truck market matures, the availability of used ZEVs will increase. However, the absence of financial incentives for used ZEV purchases may discourage small fleets from transitioning to cleaner technology. A well-designed voucher program could provide critical financial support and encourage broader participation in the shift toward zero-emission transportation.
To ensure the success of such a program, CARB plans to collaborate with ZEV dealers, lenders, industry experts, and other stakeholders. Additionally, the program would need to consider factors such as residual vehicle value, which plays a crucial role in financing and insurance. Currently, limited data on the resale value of commercial ZEVs creates uncertainty in the market, potentially making lenders more hesitant to finance used ZEV purchases. CARB notes that a voucher incentive program could help establish more accurate residual value data, strengthening the overall financial stability of the secondary market.
Legislative Support and Market Development
The potential Used Truck Voucher Pilot builds on existing legislative efforts, including California Senate Bill 372, which established the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleet Purchasing Assistance Program. This program provides both financial and non-financial tools to help fleet operators transition to ZEVs. CARB also highlights that maintaining a competitive and well-functioning market is essential to ensuring the long-term success of clean air regulations.
Looking Ahead
As California continues to advance its clean transportation goals, initiatives such as the Used Truck Voucher Pilot could play a significant role in reducing emissions while supporting small business owners in the trucking industry. By expanding financial assistance to used ZEV purchases, CARB aims to create a more sustainable and accessible pathway for small fleets to transition to zero-emission technology. The state’s request for information marks an important step toward developing policies that balance environmental priorities with economic feasibility for fleet operators.
While the program is still in the early planning stages, stakeholders—including industry experts, policymakers, and fleet owners—will have the opportunity to provide input on how such an incentive structure could be designed to maximize benefits for both the environment and businesses.