Zero-Emission Truck Pilot Project
The Short-Haul Zero-Emission Truck Pilot Project (ZE Pilot Project) is a result of collaboration between the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the Portside Steering Committee, and the District to incentivize the purchase or lease of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks in the Portside Environmental Justice (EJ) community. Approved in August 2022, the Short-Haul Zero-Emission Truck Pilot Plan outlines Pilot Project objectives and participant requirements. Participants are reimbursed through AB 617 funds which CARB allocates to the District. AB 617 funds are partially funded through California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment--particularly in disadvantaged communities.
The ZE Pilot Project can reimburse up to 90% or $250,000 of the eligible purchase cost (or up to 90% of 3-year lease payment) for a zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle that operates in the Portside Environmental Justice (EJ) community. Approximately $4 million in funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Requires applicant to have operated another heavy-duty vehicle in the Portside EJ community for the past 2 years but does not require scrapping or selling that vehicle.
Other co-funding may be allowed; please contact the District grants team to
discuss details.
All eligible and interested applicants are encouraged to apply. To
qualify, the following criteria must be met:
- For the past 2 years, has operated a heavy-duty diesel truck (over 14,000 pounds GVWR) for at least 52 trips per year in the Portside EJ Community.
- In compliance with air quality regulations.
- Willing to purchase or lease a zero-emission heavy-duty truck and operate it for three years in the Portside EJ Community, for at least 52 trips and at least 104 miles per year.
- Has a plan to charge/fuel the zero-emission heavy-duty truck.
- Able to comply with other contract terms, which include insuring the vehicle, making it available for three outreach events, and submitting three annual reports detailing mileage and describing the trips in the Portside EJ Community.
Submit your complete application as soon as possible; Pilot program
grant funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served
basis.
- Download the fillable PDF application form.
- Review the commercially available zero-emission trucks are on the HVIP list. A vehicle does not have to be on this list to be approved for a grant. You may contact HVIP-approved dealers to consider options.
- Note: by checking an optional box on the application form, you may express interest in learning about additional incentives for the same vehicle which may be offered by the Port of San Diego.
- If you are selected, the District will send you a contract outlining your responsibilities in exchange for receiving the District grant.
We explain the contract in an online contract orientation video, with accompanying slides. Please ask us any questions you have about the contract.
After the contract orientation, sign the affidavit certifying that you have watched the presentation.
Submit the signed affidavit and signed contract to the District. Prior to ordering or leasing the zero-emission vehicle, verify that the District has signed your contract.
- Once your zero-emission vehicle is ready, contact the District to schedule an inspection.
- Provide the District with the documents required to get reimbursed.
- Drive the zero-emission vehicle.
- Over the next three years, report annual usage/current insurance and participate in a total of three outreach activities.
- Thank you for helping clean the air in San Diego County!
